Winning the War on Cancer (page 3 of 3)

Breakthroughs in Diagnosis

Doctors are already able to test for genetic mutations that make a person more susceptible to certain cancers (a gene defect known as BRCA2, for example, is linked to increased risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers). Eventually, by testing for the presence of certain gene mutations, doctors may be able to detect cancers long before they produce any symptoms, which is when they're most curable.

Though widespread screening has led to earlier diagnosis in several cancers, current diagnostic methods are not perfect. Tools like mammography can miss cancers. And a commonly used blood test for prostate cancer, the PSA test, cannot distinguish between aggressive tumors and those that would remain slow-growing for years, leading, in the opinion of some experts, to overtreatment.

A new tool called a DNA micro-array allows scientists to analyze the patterns of gene activity in a cell. Using this information, scientists at the University of California, San Diego, for example, may distinguish between the aggressive prostate cancers and those that are unlikely to cause any trouble.

And there are other exciting diagnostic developments on the horizon: "Imagine a future when you prick your finger or pee into a cup or lick a stick that has special sensors to find out if you have cancer," suggests Dr. Li. This scenario may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Several groups of scientists are working on blood, saliva and urine tests to detect traces of proteins produced by aberrant genes. "Just as a hunter looks for signs, like footprints, that a deer is nearby, investigators are looking for clues, or biomarkers, that can tell them that cancer is around, even if they can't see it," says Dr. Johnson.

Advances in imaging techniques allow scientists to look at the molecular activity going on inside of cancer cells, not just at their structure. "Today, imaging not only sees a lump, but a PET scan, for example, sees the biochemistry occurring within the tumor," says Dr. von Eschenbach. "It lets us watch the cell's metabolism at work." Because cancer cells use more glucose than healthy cells, the PET scan, which creates an image based on cells' uptake of glucose, may be able to zero in on cancerous growth or detect angiogenesis within a tumor. What's more, doctors can use PET scans to gauge whether a targeted therapy has succeeded in shutting off the metabolism of tumor cells. "We don't have to wait three months to see if a patient is getting better; we can tell in 24 to 48 hours," notes Dr. von Eschenbach.

MRI, meanwhile, is proving to be a promising adjunct to the imperfect art of mammography. "Whereas ordinary mammography looks at calcium deposits and masses, MRI looks at blood vessels," explains Larry Norton, MD, deputy physician-in-chief for breast cancer programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. "All cancers have abnormal blood vessels."

Another potential alternative to mammography, which would not require radiation, is also under investigation. Called optical imaging, this technique would allow doctors to create images of the abnormal blood vessels in a tumor by passing light rays through breast tissue.

A Hopeful Future
Dr. Druker likens the current state of cancer research to the way we thought about infection before the advent of antibiotics. "In the early 1900s, infections were the leading cause of death in this country," he explains. "Now, when a new infection comes along-HIV, Ebola, West Nile-it makes headlines. In the future, I believe cancer will be seen the same way: Some forms will be eradicated; others will be highly treatable. And we will see someone dying of cancer as no more commonplace than someone dying of infection."

The future can't come soon enough for those with cancer now, but Doug Jenson believes patients and their families should be encouraged. "They'd sent me home, saying there was nothing they could do for me," he says. "I'm still here and doing great. I have ten grandkids, including two granddaughters I never would have met if not for Gleevec. Who knows what they'll come up with next?"

From Reader's Digest - October 2005

 

• • Colon Cancer
• • Breakthroughs
• • Fight Disease
• Breast Cancer
• Cancer

• Promising New Cancer Drugs
• Revolutionary drugs bring new hope to cancer patients.
• 
• Cancer Prevention News
• Small lifestyle changes may prevent cancer.
• 
• 31 Simple Ways to Prevent Cancer
• Small changes to inoculate yourself against cancer.
• 
• Breast Cancer: What You Should Know
• It's National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Find out what you can do if you or someone you love has been affected by the disease, how to protect yourself, and what you can do in the search for a cure.
• 
• What You Must Know About Skin Cancer
• Guide to skin cancer basics, including risk factors, treatments, prevention.
• 
• Medical Tests That Can Save Your Life
• 
• Detect Cancer at the Treatable Stage
• Essential annual screenings are integral to cancer prevention.
• 
• Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Cancer Treatment
• Complementary and alternative treatments for cancer are becoming more widely used. Here is some basic information to help you evaluate this option.
• 
• Online Cancer Resources
• A guide to up-to-date cancer research and information
• 

• Be Inspired
• 10 Celebrities Who Give Back
• 7 Amazing Stories, $700,000 to Charity
• Virginia Cervasio: Making It Matter
• PLUS:
• Quiz: What's Your Celebrity Cause IQ?