Cancer breakthrough 'offers new hope'
As one of the deadliest forms of cancer and the most common type among children, leukaemia has been a focus of healthcare studies for years, but a new one may finally provide a clue to defeating the condition.
According to research conducted at Trinity College Dublin, a new drug known as PBOX-15 can destroy cancerous cells in adult patients with a poor prognosis who have shown resistance to other treatments.
Experts at the facility said that the treatment was also successful in dealing with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells, which make up the most dangerous form of the disease and is the most common type of the cancer in the western world.
The research was applauded by commentators, including Andrea Stylianou, charity coordinator at the Leukaemia Society.
She told private health cover holders that the organisation was "delighted" by the findings, which may "offer new hope" to sufferers.
"What I've been told about and what I've heard about the whole thing is that patients that have been resistant to other therapies are going to benefit from this and that in itself is a big achievement," Ms Stylianou explained.
She added that it will be a "long road" to the medication being formulated as a universal treatment for people with leukaemia, but hoped that previous obstacles concerning the funding of potentially beneficial drugs could be avoided.
"If they have found this and it has the potential for treating people that did not have that opportunity before then that in itself is fantastic," the representative said.
Every year, over 7,000 people are diagnosed with the cancer, with nearly 4,500 failing to beat the disease.
Ms Stylianou told those with affordable health insurance that this latest development has been met with great enthusiasm by patients, who have been keen to learn more about a medication which could transform their lives.
She concluded: "We have had a very positive reaction and we have ourselves reacted very positively to it. It seems very promising."
By Stephen Tate
Take a look at our Health Insurance Plans. 
Adfero Ltd provides live and tailored breaking industry news for Chartis Direct. All industry news is prepared by Adfero Ltd and as such does not represent the views or opinions of Chartis Direct a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited.
© Adfero Ltd 2008
