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Saturday, November 10, 2012
Letter to President Obama
Letter to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas): Contact Your Federal Officials
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The CPRIT experience
The CRBCM has been considering the creation of an independent CPRIT monitor organization for future generations to learn about government initiatives as it pertains to health promotion and research. We have 3 years of experience and 7 more to go. One thing is for sure, this will be an exciting endeavor. With its ups and downs and our own participation in the submission process to collect data, we look forward to an exciting observation.
CPRIT was created by the Texas legislature to achieve Prevention and cancer research. With 3 billion Dollars in its coffers to spend on a 10 years period, it is in Texas the most powerful government health funding organization. Most organizations succeed when the CEO has a vision. This vision is the unbiased compass that helps choose the organization's path, and resist multiple influences that are bound to happen. Sorting through the maze of vultures cannot occur without a strong soul to the CEO of the organization. This is why you need a VISION, Intelligence and Boldness to lead such an organization. This is CPRIT's challenge. The legislature had the will and the purse, the CEO needs a soul, vision, the smartness and the boldness to lead towards the goal without being swayed by all kinds of pressures.
When it comes to research, Universities feel entitled because they have the people, the infrastructure and the staff. They provide a safe path when it comes to secure investment for CPRIT. Biotech companies follow in line mostly because they have the equipment and technology. CPRIT has responded to this Lobby by pouring 85% of its initial disbursement to these 2 groups. The problem is that Universities and Biotech Companies can only hire so many, limiting thus job creation and the pool of ideas. Biotech companies want to locate in certain cities, close to the universities, thus limiting the impact or foot print of CPRIT. ( After Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth), El Paso for example, the 6th city in Texas, has received 1 (one) percent of CPRIT disbursement to date while Houston, San Antonio and Austin received the Lion Share despite the existence of a University in El Paso (UTEP). This is about who you know and nothing else really. However, like in any low income community, this is where government intervention will have the largest impact in the community - if the CPRIT foot print is a genuine priority.
The emphasis on Biotech has taken a turn at CPRIT. There is a perception that there is a fundamental lack of strong Biotech companies in Texas, so CPRIT has hired BioAlliance to vigorously search for out of state companies. This is being done sometimes at the disadvantage of local companies who can easily expand to provide the same service with only researcher hiring. A lack of organized use of local community Oncologists is now leading to a crisis. Too many unused Biotech equipments and labs in some cities. There is no guarantee that these biotech companies will stay in Texas with this mounting problem or after CPRIT funding is exhausted. After having received funds for certain equipment, other funding foundations are finding that the equipment is not used for the intended purpose during or after the period of the mission at hand Foreign or out of state companies can switch allegiance. So things need to be kept in proportion and moderation. The push for Commercialization makes sense for the Survival of CPRIT and continuation of the individual programs. However, the danger of skewing our emphasis looms around the corner. Prevention will take a significant brunt in its loss of the support unless serious survivorship programs are considered. Survivorship programs are a more secure investment for CPRIT, because services under these categories are reimbursed by the federal government. The idea that a new product of significant potential interest will result in positive financial return, is more of a gamble. And the impact on living Texans will be more immediate and a sure thing with a survivorship program than it is in the hope of a big discovery.
CRBCM will seek the support of President Obama, Rick Perry (our governor) and local senator and congressmen to weigh in this issue. CRBCM is a coalition. And Coalitions are made to fight until the opposition comes to its senses for progress to occur!
The CRBCM has been considering the creation of an independent CPRIT monitor organization for future generations to learn about government initiatives as it pertains to health promotion and research. We have 3 years of experience and 7 more to go. One thing is for sure, this will be an exciting endeavor. With its ups and downs and our own participation in the submission process to collect data, we look forward to an exciting observation.
CPRIT was created by the Texas legislature to achieve Prevention and cancer research. With 3 billion Dollars in its coffers to spend on a 10 years period, it is in Texas the most powerful government health funding organization. Most organizations succeed when the CEO has a vision. This vision is the unbiased compass that helps choose the organization's path, and resist multiple influences that are bound to happen. Sorting through the maze of vultures cannot occur without a strong soul to the CEO of the organization. This is why you need a VISION, Intelligence and Boldness to lead such an organization. This is CPRIT's challenge. The legislature had the will and the purse, the CEO needs a soul, vision, the smartness and the boldness to lead towards the goal without being swayed by all kinds of pressures.
When it comes to research, Universities feel entitled because they have the people, the infrastructure and the staff. They provide a safe path when it comes to secure investment for CPRIT. Biotech companies follow in line mostly because they have the equipment and technology. CPRIT has responded to this Lobby by pouring 85% of its initial disbursement to these 2 groups. The problem is that Universities and Biotech Companies can only hire so many, limiting thus job creation and the pool of ideas. Biotech companies want to locate in certain cities, close to the universities, thus limiting the impact or foot print of CPRIT. ( After Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth), El Paso for example, the 6th city in Texas, has received 1 (one) percent of CPRIT disbursement to date while Houston, San Antonio and Austin received the Lion Share despite the existence of a University in El Paso (UTEP). This is about who you know and nothing else really. However, like in any low income community, this is where government intervention will have the largest impact in the community - if the CPRIT foot print is a genuine priority.
The emphasis on Biotech has taken a turn at CPRIT. There is a perception that there is a fundamental lack of strong Biotech companies in Texas, so CPRIT has hired BioAlliance to vigorously search for out of state companies. This is being done sometimes at the disadvantage of local companies who can easily expand to provide the same service with only researcher hiring. A lack of organized use of local community Oncologists is now leading to a crisis. Too many unused Biotech equipments and labs in some cities. There is no guarantee that these biotech companies will stay in Texas with this mounting problem or after CPRIT funding is exhausted. After having received funds for certain equipment, other funding foundations are finding that the equipment is not used for the intended purpose during or after the period of the mission at hand Foreign or out of state companies can switch allegiance. So things need to be kept in proportion and moderation. The push for Commercialization makes sense for the Survival of CPRIT and continuation of the individual programs. However, the danger of skewing our emphasis looms around the corner. Prevention will take a significant brunt in its loss of the support unless serious survivorship programs are considered. Survivorship programs are a more secure investment for CPRIT, because services under these categories are reimbursed by the federal government. The idea that a new product of significant potential interest will result in positive financial return, is more of a gamble. And the impact on living Texans will be more immediate and a sure thing with a survivorship program than it is in the hope of a big discovery.
CRBCM will seek the support of President Obama, Rick Perry (our governor) and local senator and congressmen to weigh in this issue. CRBCM is a coalition. And Coalitions are made to fight until the opposition comes to its senses for progress to occur!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Meeting with CPRIT/BioAlliance in Houston, Texas
Following CPRIT recommendation in its latest RFA (Company formation), we submitted for "help" our proposal for review to DR Jeffrey Larson. We were cordially invited to meet at the BRC/ Texas Bioalliance on 6500 Main street today on the 10th floor today November 8th, 2012. We showed up on time. We met with Dr Larson and Paul Cossum, the president of the Texas BioAlliance. Suffice is to say that the 2 men had no clue what the RFA was about. Paul Cossum was frank: "I did not read your project". Dr Larson spoke about " your project to open a clinic"
(as opposed to what it is: A comprehensive cancer program including education, prevention, treatment and survivorship). He apologized because his specialty is "Commercialization". He is more into bringing Companies from out of State, not for reviewing project for small businesses inside Texas. Paul Cossum did not even bother to "read" what was submitted, but already suggested that it was not what they do. The color of my skin played into this...not read something I spent days writing.
CPRIT has been hijacked by Universities and big companies. CPRIT has been so focused on attracting new technologies to Texas that it has forgotten that it needs people who are in contact with patients to obtain samples to be tested (and to boost clinical trial participation). CPRIT is forgetting that it needs expansion of screening for cancer to have more samples to process. No wonder why we met at the last convention of CPRIT many researchers with big equipment bought through CPRIT funding but lacking connection with Oncologists and patients' samples to process. Dr Larson seemed to suggest that Commercialization through survivorship programs was not a current CPRIT interest. Globally the project we submitted did not retain their attention. They even kindly suggested that we are better off sending our project to the Lance Amstrong Foundation instead. (if it is good for that foundation, why was it irrelevent to CPRIT?)
What DR Larson and Paul Cossum forgot is that we are a Coalition. We are going to fight even all the way to the State Supreme Court to make a point. The Coalition fights for a cure and saving lives, even if we may die in the process!
CPRIT has been taken over by politicians, Universities, large Tech and marketing Companies.
Clinicians are on the sidelines looking in. Some don't want to waste their energy. Some clinicians are trying to stay away.
Don't hate me because I told the truth. It is sad to see discrimination in full display. CPRIT was a great idea from and for the People of Texas. Yes, I agree with DR Gilman when he said " Vultures and Hyenas" have been brought in.
(as opposed to what it is: A comprehensive cancer program including education, prevention, treatment and survivorship). He apologized because his specialty is "Commercialization". He is more into bringing Companies from out of State, not for reviewing project for small businesses inside Texas. Paul Cossum did not even bother to "read" what was submitted, but already suggested that it was not what they do. The color of my skin played into this...not read something I spent days writing.
CPRIT has been hijacked by Universities and big companies. CPRIT has been so focused on attracting new technologies to Texas that it has forgotten that it needs people who are in contact with patients to obtain samples to be tested (and to boost clinical trial participation). CPRIT is forgetting that it needs expansion of screening for cancer to have more samples to process. No wonder why we met at the last convention of CPRIT many researchers with big equipment bought through CPRIT funding but lacking connection with Oncologists and patients' samples to process. Dr Larson seemed to suggest that Commercialization through survivorship programs was not a current CPRIT interest. Globally the project we submitted did not retain their attention. They even kindly suggested that we are better off sending our project to the Lance Amstrong Foundation instead. (if it is good for that foundation, why was it irrelevent to CPRIT?)
What DR Larson and Paul Cossum forgot is that we are a Coalition. We are going to fight even all the way to the State Supreme Court to make a point. The Coalition fights for a cure and saving lives, even if we may die in the process!
CPRIT has been taken over by politicians, Universities, large Tech and marketing Companies.
Clinicians are on the sidelines looking in. Some don't want to waste their energy. Some clinicians are trying to stay away.
Don't hate me because I told the truth. It is sad to see discrimination in full display. CPRIT was a great idea from and for the People of Texas. Yes, I agree with DR Gilman when he said " Vultures and Hyenas" have been brought in.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The CRBCM has submitted a preliminary project to respond to the latest call for CPRIT application,
we still have not heard about our prior Request for Application. We should hear something soon, however. We want to maximize our chances by participating in the new call for application.
We have completed the preliminary analysis of the 65 survey responses, the ranking of Breast Cancer risk factors as perceived by the people of El Paso. Results will be posted soon.
we still have not heard about our prior Request for Application. We should hear something soon, however. We want to maximize our chances by participating in the new call for application.
We have completed the preliminary analysis of the 65 survey responses, the ranking of Breast Cancer risk factors as perceived by the people of El Paso. Results will be posted soon.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
CANCER RESEARCH HYPOTHESES:
El Paso is proud to report that UTEP has a leading Research investigator,
Dr Robert A Kirken, PHD who gave an interesting talk about "New Concepts in Cell signaling and treatment Strategies", an excellent talk to say the least.
The CRBCM intends to approach him with many ideas that may lead to Cure. I am sure he will tell us what makes sense and what is worth pursuing. These are some of the thoughts:
1. We know that specialized cells such as Muscle cells become "silent" or "quiescent" when it comes to cell division. These cells lose their ability to multiply. Is cell division quiescence a potential cancer control mechanism?
2. The red blood cell during its maturation loses most of its nuclear material. The residual cell or mature red cell continues its life delivering Oxygen with a half life of 28 days or so. Can we master the reason of persistence of life in a red cell as a target therapy objective as it comes to cancer control?
3.In some Hereditary Colon cancers, the mismatch repair in gene replication fails to trigger activation of P53.
One may ask if there is a coexisting abnormality of P53?
Is there a transcription factor inhibiting P53 Activation?
4.Pattern of transcription genes in basal cell type breast cancer Vs normal breast cancer. (by micro-array or gene sequencing. Is there an opportunity for cancer therapeutics?
5. Alteration of pattern of receptor molecules on membranes of cancer cell. Are some receptors specific to cancer cells?
and so on...
The list of opportunities for research appears endless,
We know cure is possible, let us go get it! And CPRIT may help us!
El Paso is proud to report that UTEP has a leading Research investigator,
Dr Robert A Kirken, PHD who gave an interesting talk about "New Concepts in Cell signaling and treatment Strategies", an excellent talk to say the least.
The CRBCM intends to approach him with many ideas that may lead to Cure. I am sure he will tell us what makes sense and what is worth pursuing. These are some of the thoughts:
1. We know that specialized cells such as Muscle cells become "silent" or "quiescent" when it comes to cell division. These cells lose their ability to multiply. Is cell division quiescence a potential cancer control mechanism?
2. The red blood cell during its maturation loses most of its nuclear material. The residual cell or mature red cell continues its life delivering Oxygen with a half life of 28 days or so. Can we master the reason of persistence of life in a red cell as a target therapy objective as it comes to cancer control?
3.In some Hereditary Colon cancers, the mismatch repair in gene replication fails to trigger activation of P53.
One may ask if there is a coexisting abnormality of P53?
Is there a transcription factor inhibiting P53 Activation?
4.Pattern of transcription genes in basal cell type breast cancer Vs normal breast cancer. (by micro-array or gene sequencing. Is there an opportunity for cancer therapeutics?
5. Alteration of pattern of receptor molecules on membranes of cancer cell. Are some receptors specific to cancer cells?
and so on...
The list of opportunities for research appears endless,
We know cure is possible, let us go get it! And CPRIT may help us!
Friday, November 2, 2012
The secret for Cure of cancer is located in the selective apoptosis, or cancer cell death
We know there are several ways that lead to cell death. The main 2 ways are through the Extrinsic pathway which uses Receptors located at the skin of the cell called cellular membrane (receptors such as TNF-R1 and FAS) and Intrinsic pathways that use internal proteins (i.e. Caspases) that may destroy or paralyze the breathing and energy producing organs of the cell called mitochondria. The challenge is to control these processes in the cell, know how to trigger them, and to do this only in the cancer cells without affecting the normal cells. We need to know how to tag cancer cells, give that tag to a killing molecule that can attach to the apoptosis receptor. This is just one way to be looking for a cure. The complexity and multitude of metabolic pathways presents a problem, but also opportunities to kill the cancer cell.We are in the wee hours of learning them.Target therapy is in its early hour.
When there is a mistake in the gene during replication, there is a repair mechanism. To allow that repair,
the cell needs to be slowed down in its life cycle. This slowing seems to be the main action of P53. If repair does not occur, P53 leads the cell to cell destruction/apoptosis. That's why most cancers remove or change the P53 to stay alive. Like most Molecules in the cell, the P53 has its own path to destruction. MDM2 seems to be that path to the loss of this so important P53. Scientists are looking at knocking down MDM2 to see if this may restore the P53 function in those conditions where the P53 is not fundamentally altered. We will follow this for you and give an update!
The Cure is achievable we know that for sure, we need just need to become better "cell mechanics"....stay tuned...
When there is a mistake in the gene during replication, there is a repair mechanism. To allow that repair,
the cell needs to be slowed down in its life cycle. This slowing seems to be the main action of P53. If repair does not occur, P53 leads the cell to cell destruction/apoptosis. That's why most cancers remove or change the P53 to stay alive. Like most Molecules in the cell, the P53 has its own path to destruction. MDM2 seems to be that path to the loss of this so important P53. Scientists are looking at knocking down MDM2 to see if this may restore the P53 function in those conditions where the P53 is not fundamentally altered. We will follow this for you and give an update!
The Cure is achievable we know that for sure, we need just need to become better "cell mechanics"....stay tuned...
Thursday, November 1, 2012
SWAHAP Meeting Nov.2 & 3, in El Paso TX
will be present at the annual South West Association of Hispanic American Physicians Conference in El Paso Texas
GREETINGS FROM THE USA | Clement Albert | Ubetoo Store - Buy songs and MP3s
GREETINGS FROM THE USA | Clement Albert | Ubetoo Store - Buy songs and MP3s
With the purchase of Dr.Kankonde's CD Album "Greetings from the USA" you actively help support his fight to reverse breast cancer mortality.
Every single cent goes toward the CRBCM's research, prevention, intervention and survivorship programs!
THANK YOU, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES, FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT!
With the purchase of Dr.Kankonde's CD Album "Greetings from the USA" you actively help support his fight to reverse breast cancer mortality.
Every single cent goes toward the CRBCM's research, prevention, intervention and survivorship programs!
THANK YOU, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES, FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT!
Healthy Nutrition and Popular Wisdom
Conversations on metro buses give an interesting snapshot of popular wisdom shared about "Healthy Nutrition": "Mi esposo dice que comer mucha pasta, nueces y cachuetes durante el verano permite hacer grasa para el invierno y quedarse en buena salud." (my husband says that eating lots of pasta, nuts and peanuts during the summer allows to build up fat to stay healthy in winter).
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Doing some field work in Houston for 3 weeks.
We will be tracking new CPRIT Requests for Application
Have submitted preliminary summary of our newest submission to Dr. Jeffrey Larson for review and help. Hopefully we will meet the requirements.
This work in Houston is a continuation and preparedness for work to do under the CPRIT funded project if it comes to be.
DR K.
We will be tracking new CPRIT Requests for Application
Have submitted preliminary summary of our newest submission to Dr. Jeffrey Larson for review and help. Hopefully we will meet the requirements.
This work in Houston is a continuation and preparedness for work to do under the CPRIT funded project if it comes to be.
DR K.
Survey Data Extraction
We are working hard to rapidly bring out the results of the surveys on breast cancer risk factors, smoking cessation, physical activity and nutrition collected during the PINK Event at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso. Stay tuned!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Building an Electronic Cancer Cell is a necessity
Natural death of cancer cells is the path to cure.
Experience of chemotherapy has shown that a blind and random attack of cancer cells is ineffective at assuring the death of cancer at a 100% curative rate. We believe that this is mostly due to the fact that chemotherapy most of the time does not inflict enough damage to the cell to lead to self destruction or Apoptosis. We believe that certain changes to the cell caused by chemotherapy could work counter the intended effect. This the basis of the trust in target therapy.
Now let us not approach Target therapy the same way we did for chemotherapy. Target therapy has proven to work, no doubt about it. We need now to organize coordinated attacks on the cancer cells. We know that Cancer cells' life processes seem to be organized in cascade, redundancy and escape mechanisms, but in a logical way. With one event following another. This is why Target therapy works by cutting off or promoting upstream events in the cascade.The thing is that cells have downstream escape mechanisms, therefore that mechanism needs also to be struck down in a staged or coordinated attack.
We believe that the construction of an electronic model of a cell will help us identify gaps in the cascade of molecular events, and help identify critical new targets to go after, once these gaps are filled.
Some of the current targets
1. Adhesion Molecules
2. Cell membrane receptors
3. Signal transduction pathways
4. Transcription genes
5. Histones and promoter genes
6. Mitochondrial/ribosomes Metabolism disruption
7. Nuclear genetic material
8. Gene repair and mismatch repair mechanism
This list is not exhaustive, therefore the potential for investigation appears endless.
Experience of chemotherapy has shown that a blind and random attack of cancer cells is ineffective at assuring the death of cancer at a 100% curative rate. We believe that this is mostly due to the fact that chemotherapy most of the time does not inflict enough damage to the cell to lead to self destruction or Apoptosis. We believe that certain changes to the cell caused by chemotherapy could work counter the intended effect. This the basis of the trust in target therapy.
Now let us not approach Target therapy the same way we did for chemotherapy. Target therapy has proven to work, no doubt about it. We need now to organize coordinated attacks on the cancer cells. We know that Cancer cells' life processes seem to be organized in cascade, redundancy and escape mechanisms, but in a logical way. With one event following another. This is why Target therapy works by cutting off or promoting upstream events in the cascade.The thing is that cells have downstream escape mechanisms, therefore that mechanism needs also to be struck down in a staged or coordinated attack.
We believe that the construction of an electronic model of a cell will help us identify gaps in the cascade of molecular events, and help identify critical new targets to go after, once these gaps are filled.
Some of the current targets
1. Adhesion Molecules
2. Cell membrane receptors
3. Signal transduction pathways
4. Transcription genes
5. Histones and promoter genes
6. Mitochondrial/ribosomes Metabolism disruption
7. Nuclear genetic material
8. Gene repair and mismatch repair mechanism
This list is not exhaustive, therefore the potential for investigation appears endless.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Ltd Governor David Dewhurst to Visit CPRIT
A surprise visit this morning at the closing of the 3rd CIPRIT Conference in Austin, Texas.
He reiterated his unwavering support for cancer research, prevention and commercialization in favor of reducing the burden of cancer on the Texas population with the hope that the findings and new developments will help save lives nationwide and worldwide. The sooner the better, we all agree!
He reiterated his unwavering support for cancer research, prevention and commercialization in favor of reducing the burden of cancer on the Texas population with the hope that the findings and new developments will help save lives nationwide and worldwide. The sooner the better, we all agree!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Free LUNG CANCER Seminar TONIGHT!
You are welcome to our FREE LUNG CANCER Seminar at the Greater East Cancer Center & CRBCM located 2400 Trawood Dr, Suite 303 in the Sierra Providence Eastside Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Your QUESTIONS are welcomed, take this opportunity to find out what you always wanted to know for sure!
We are looking forward to welcoming and meeting you tonight!
For info and directions call: 915-730-4535 or 765-969-2188
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Your QUESTIONS are welcomed, take this opportunity to find out what you always wanted to know for sure!
We are looking forward to welcoming and meeting you tonight!
For info and directions call: 915-730-4535 or 765-969-2188
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Networking at the CPRIT Annual Conference Austin
It is greatly inspiring and encouraging to meet and speak with current grant recipients, whether in the field of pure research, prevention or intervention. Our various hypothesis seem well aligned with findings in other cities in Texas. I have the impression that thanks to CPRIT, never before was a 'minority' population so well and intensely studied and paid attention to through outreach programs: a totally new health care model may be derived from these experiences! As a consequence of the extremely positive reaction of the target population and their adherence to interventions such as screenings, exercise programs and classes in nutrition and diet, some research programs had to refuse access, being overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to participate in their healthy lifestyle program - isn't that living proof, once again, that education and customized health care will make an individual want to live more healthy and take better care of him or herself!
After our conference on Breast Cancer and discussion on the CRBCM objective
tomorrow in our monthly conference, we will discuss Lung Cancer
we will focus on risk factors, some of the attempts for primary prevention interventions and their results, and discuss some of the new target therapies already in place, and of course future therapeutic strategies/targets.
Come participate by calling 915-307-3354.
DR K.
tomorrow in our monthly conference, we will discuss Lung Cancer
we will focus on risk factors, some of the attempts for primary prevention interventions and their results, and discuss some of the new target therapies already in place, and of course future therapeutic strategies/targets.
Come participate by calling 915-307-3354.
DR K.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
We believe in the cure for Cancer:
People talk about a cure and skeptics balk!
But the cure is possible and actually exists already in every survivor who had a remote history of cancer.
Remember this, a cancer cell is full of messages encrypted in chemical messages when to grow, when to start aging and when to die. Yes cancer cells have an internal message when to start apoptosis (self destruction).
It means you could tell it to start apoptosis and kill itself. Our challenge is to know how to speak to a cell.
Research are starting to learn that language in what is now known as Target Therapy. Cancer treatment is now becoming a Piano tune. if you hit the right keys in a song and the cancer cell get it, it will find its way to self destruction. We are at the early stage of this music, still learning it. Hitting this key here and seeing what happens. We are finding out that even tough cancers such as Melanoma, if you hit the BRAF key, things start happening. In some lung cancers, if you hit the EGFR key, you start getting somewhere. It is just a matter of time before we start asking to a cell, now time for an increase in BAX or Caspases, and self destruct. The cell has some redundancy and networking to complicate the road to self destruction, but we still believe that with the right tune, cancer cells will dance to self destruction, and yes cure is within our reach!
But the cure is possible and actually exists already in every survivor who had a remote history of cancer.
Remember this, a cancer cell is full of messages encrypted in chemical messages when to grow, when to start aging and when to die. Yes cancer cells have an internal message when to start apoptosis (self destruction).
It means you could tell it to start apoptosis and kill itself. Our challenge is to know how to speak to a cell.
Research are starting to learn that language in what is now known as Target Therapy. Cancer treatment is now becoming a Piano tune. if you hit the right keys in a song and the cancer cell get it, it will find its way to self destruction. We are at the early stage of this music, still learning it. Hitting this key here and seeing what happens. We are finding out that even tough cancers such as Melanoma, if you hit the BRAF key, things start happening. In some lung cancers, if you hit the EGFR key, you start getting somewhere. It is just a matter of time before we start asking to a cell, now time for an increase in BAX or Caspases, and self destruct. The cell has some redundancy and networking to complicate the road to self destruction, but we still believe that with the right tune, cancer cells will dance to self destruction, and yes cure is within our reach!
Monday, October 22, 2012
 |
| The CRBCM Team in Action |
 | |
| Questionnaires handed out |
 | |
| Interested visitors eager to fill out the survey |
 | |
| Concentrated on the surveys |
 | |
| Health is a Family Affair |
The first feed-back from the surveys shows that :
13 visitors need and want more information in general
3 Visitors want to volunteer with the CRBCM
1 Visitor wants to be trained to teach activities at the CRBCM
1 Visitor wants to become a Navigator for patients
1 Visitor and Survivor wants to teach Lymphedema classes
Participants with a special interest in several health topics signed up for follow-up contact regarding:
5 x Diet
4 x Physical Exercise
7 x Nutrition
4 x Weight Control
4 x Stress Management
5 x Breast Cancer
1 x Uterine Cancer
1 x Cervical Cancer
1 x Prostate Cancer
1 x Lung Cancer
1 x Anemia
2 x Smoking Cessation
Now we know what we need to do!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Clinical Hypothesis in research, prevention and Commercialization Hypothesis in cancer therapeutics
Following our first article of October 14th, we believe it is time to suggest a second hypothesis
in therapeutic research in Cancer. The early years of cancer treatment, the objective was to blast the cancer cells with chemotherapy that was in our arsenal. Most of the time this approach was able to kill the cells partially. The cancer cells quickly however learned to escape the blast, creating wonderful resistance mechanisms. As we progress in molecular biology, we are increasingly shying away from these blast approaches, leaning more and more in identifying metabolic pathways, and identifying targets in that pathway and aiming our gun and shoot it, and see what happens. This is called Target Therapy.
One pathway that we have learned a bit about is the P53 ( and down the line the pathway the Rb which lead to cell stopping in the cell cycle to allow genetic repair). This pathway is mostly triggered by an abnormality in the gene.
Today, we go back to the blast approach when we have no good Target therapy option. In fact we always try to add the target therapy to the blast chemotherapy to see if we could have the most from our money.
combination of Avastin (a target therapy) to chemotherapy is standard therapy in the United states for stage IV Colon cancer. We know that chemotherapy mostly affect our gene. This change in gene should trigger the activation of our P53 system to stop the cancer cell in its track for growth. The question now is should we give chemotherapy in patient who has an altered P53 system. What is the benefit the gene with chemotherapy, if the system that should be triggered to clean up is out.
Hypothesis:
Altered P53 pathway predict a failure of chemotherapy which has gene disturbance as main effect.
second hypothesis: preservation of status of the wild type P53 during chemotherapy may predict for a successful chemotherapy treatment (Cisplatin).
if it is true, commercialization is possible...
Don't be shy, give me your opinion!
in therapeutic research in Cancer. The early years of cancer treatment, the objective was to blast the cancer cells with chemotherapy that was in our arsenal. Most of the time this approach was able to kill the cells partially. The cancer cells quickly however learned to escape the blast, creating wonderful resistance mechanisms. As we progress in molecular biology, we are increasingly shying away from these blast approaches, leaning more and more in identifying metabolic pathways, and identifying targets in that pathway and aiming our gun and shoot it, and see what happens. This is called Target Therapy.
One pathway that we have learned a bit about is the P53 ( and down the line the pathway the Rb which lead to cell stopping in the cell cycle to allow genetic repair). This pathway is mostly triggered by an abnormality in the gene.
Today, we go back to the blast approach when we have no good Target therapy option. In fact we always try to add the target therapy to the blast chemotherapy to see if we could have the most from our money.
combination of Avastin (a target therapy) to chemotherapy is standard therapy in the United states for stage IV Colon cancer. We know that chemotherapy mostly affect our gene. This change in gene should trigger the activation of our P53 system to stop the cancer cell in its track for growth. The question now is should we give chemotherapy in patient who has an altered P53 system. What is the benefit the gene with chemotherapy, if the system that should be triggered to clean up is out.
Hypothesis:
Altered P53 pathway predict a failure of chemotherapy which has gene disturbance as main effect.
second hypothesis: preservation of status of the wild type P53 during chemotherapy may predict for a successful chemotherapy treatment (Cisplatin).
if it is true, commercialization is possible...
Don't be shy, give me your opinion!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The CRBCM is conducting 4 research survey this morning at Cielo Vista Mall
all related to life style modification to reverse mortality of breast cancer, I am glad to report a huge participation, already, a call for reprint of survey material has been placed, we can already predict
good data mining! The CRBCM is proud of the Cielo Vista Mall and its help for our cause! Other participating with us include The Susan G Komen, the National Cancer Society, the Rio Grande, UTEP, and another organization...CRBCM is standing its own! We are proud of being the CRBCM!
The Fight for the reversal of Breast Cancer mortality is on, we will not back down!
Dr Kankonde
all related to life style modification to reverse mortality of breast cancer, I am glad to report a huge participation, already, a call for reprint of survey material has been placed, we can already predict
good data mining! The CRBCM is proud of the Cielo Vista Mall and its help for our cause! Other participating with us include The Susan G Komen, the National Cancer Society, the Rio Grande, UTEP, and another organization...CRBCM is standing its own! We are proud of being the CRBCM!
The Fight for the reversal of Breast Cancer mortality is on, we will not back down!
Dr Kankonde
Friday, October 19, 2012
At Cielo mall, we will be conducting a survey
4 questionaires
1. Risk factor assessment for Breast Cancer
2. Nutrition Pattern
3. Physical Activity evaluation
4. smoking cessation
there will be a 5 dollars incentive/reward for the first 40 survey takers (who will take all the 4 surveys).
We have 8 Volunteers, we need more,
please call 915-307-3354 to volunteer or take a survey
4 questionaires
1. Risk factor assessment for Breast Cancer
2. Nutrition Pattern
3. Physical Activity evaluation
4. smoking cessation
there will be a 5 dollars incentive/reward for the first 40 survey takers (who will take all the 4 surveys).
We have 8 Volunteers, we need more,
please call 915-307-3354 to volunteer or take a survey
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Rating of Breast Cancer Risk Factors by Cancer Survivors in El Paso
Rating of Breast Cancer Risk Factors from 1 to 10 among a list of 28 risk factors by Cancer Survivors from the Dialogue Group in El Paso, Texas, on October 9th, 2012:
The following Risk Factors were given a "Nr.1" importance each by one to four participants out of 18 participants in this small pilot survey that will now be conducted on a larger scale with the El Paso population
Were rated as Nr.1 Risk factor for Breast Cancer:
4x Personal History
3x Family History
3x Being a Woman
2x Smoking
2x Being Overweight
1x Age
1x Drinking Alcohol
1x Genetic
1x Race and Ethnicity
The full list of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer can be found on: breastcancer.org.
The following description of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer can be found on cancer.org:
Besides being female, age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. A woman’s breast cancer risk may be higher or lower depending on her personal risk factors and other factors not yet fully understood.
Currently, a woman living in the US has a 12.15%, or a 1 in 8, lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. In the 1970s, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer was 1 in 11. This increase in the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer is due to longer life expectancy, as well as increases in breast cancer incidence due in part to changes in reproductive patterns, menopausal hormone use, the rising prevalence of obesity, and increased detection through screening. Lifetime risk reflects an average woman’s risk over an entire lifetime, including the possibility that she may die from another cause before she would have developed breast cancer, and should not be confused with risk over a shorter time period.
Relative Risk Factors (cancer.org)
Relative Risk Factor >4.0 •
Age (65+ vs. <65 years, although risk increases across all ages until age 80)
• Biopsy-confirmed atypical hyperplasia
• Certain inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2)
• Mammographically dense breasts
• Personal history of breast cancer
Relative Risk Factor 2.1-4.0
• High endogenous estrogen or testosterone levels
• High bone density (postmenopausal)
• High-dose radiation to chest
• Two first-degree relatives with breast cancer
Relative Risk Factor 1.1-2.0
• Alcohol consumption
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
• Early menarche (<12 years)
• Height (tall)
• High socioeconomic status
• Late age at first full-term pregnancy (>30 years)
• Late menopause (>55 years)
• Never breastfed a child
• No full-term pregnancies
• Obesity (postmenopausal)/adult weight gain
• One first-degree relative with breast cancer
• Personal history of endometrium, ovary, or colon cancer
• Recent and long-term use of menopausal hormone therapy containing estrogen and progestin
• Recent oral contraceptive use
The following Risk Factors were given a "Nr.1" importance each by one to four participants out of 18 participants in this small pilot survey that will now be conducted on a larger scale with the El Paso population
Were rated as Nr.1 Risk factor for Breast Cancer:
4x Personal History
3x Family History
3x Being a Woman
2x Smoking
2x Being Overweight
1x Age
1x Drinking Alcohol
1x Genetic
1x Race and Ethnicity
The full list of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer can be found on: breastcancer.org.
The following description of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer can be found on cancer.org:
Besides being female, age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. A woman’s breast cancer risk may be higher or lower depending on her personal risk factors and other factors not yet fully understood.
Currently, a woman living in the US has a 12.15%, or a 1 in 8, lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. In the 1970s, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer was 1 in 11. This increase in the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer is due to longer life expectancy, as well as increases in breast cancer incidence due in part to changes in reproductive patterns, menopausal hormone use, the rising prevalence of obesity, and increased detection through screening. Lifetime risk reflects an average woman’s risk over an entire lifetime, including the possibility that she may die from another cause before she would have developed breast cancer, and should not be confused with risk over a shorter time period.
Relative Risk Factors (cancer.org)
Relative Risk Factor >4.0 •
Age (65+ vs. <65 years, although risk increases across all ages until age 80)
• Biopsy-confirmed atypical hyperplasia
• Certain inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2)
• Mammographically dense breasts
• Personal history of breast cancer
Relative Risk Factor 2.1-4.0
• High endogenous estrogen or testosterone levels
• High bone density (postmenopausal)
• High-dose radiation to chest
• Two first-degree relatives with breast cancer
Relative Risk Factor 1.1-2.0
• Alcohol consumption
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
• Early menarche (<12 years)
• Height (tall)
• High socioeconomic status
• Late age at first full-term pregnancy (>30 years)
• Late menopause (>55 years)
• Never breastfed a child
• No full-term pregnancies
• Obesity (postmenopausal)/adult weight gain
• One first-degree relative with breast cancer
• Personal history of endometrium, ovary, or colon cancer
• Recent and long-term use of menopausal hormone therapy containing estrogen and progestin
• Recent oral contraceptive use
Monday, October 15, 2012
Affordable Mammograms NOW AVAILABLE!
If you have not yet had your yearly mammogram, now is the right time!
Many imaging services offer a special promotional rates for self-paying patients, and not only in October.
Call us for details on where and how much the mammograms are right now in El Paso:
Call us on 915-730-4535
Many imaging services offer a special promotional rates for self-paying patients, and not only in October.
Call us for details on where and how much the mammograms are right now in El Paso:
Call us on 915-730-4535
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