Thursday 25th February 2016- The Independent: Pancreatic cancer is four different diseases, study finds

‘A new study which has shown that pancreatic cancer is four separate diseases has been hailed as “incredibly exciting.”

The team at the University of Glasgow said the study was as a “launch pad” for finding new treatments for the disease.

Around 8,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with the cancer which affects the large gland in the digestive system each year. It is particularly difficult to diagnose as it does not show symptoms in the early stages.

The way in which pancreatic cancer is treated has not developed greatly for two decades, said Dr Peter Bailey, one of the study authors, and compared current methods to “hitting the disease with a mallet with your eyes closed.”

Around a fifth of those with the disease survive more than a year after being diagnosed, while less than 5 per cent living after five years, and 1 per cent after a decade.

The team at the University of Glasgow studied around 456 pancreatic cancer tumours for the research published in the journal ‘Nature’.

Scientists were able to categorise the disease into four different sub-types: squamous, pancreatic progenitor, immunogenic and ADEX.

Professor Sean Grimmond, who led the study, said: “This study demonstrates that pancreatic cancer is better considered as four separate diseases, with different survival rates, treatments and underlying genetics.”

“Knowing which sub-type a patient has would allow a doctor to provide a more accurate prognosis and treatment recommendations.

He explained that cancer drugs that doctors use or are in development can target the disease which are similar to other forms of cancer.

For example, some types of pancreatic cancer are associated with mutations normally found in colon cancer or leukaemia, he said.

Pancreatic Cancer UK described the findings as “incredibly exciting”.

Leanne Reynolds, head of research at the charity, said the findings meant that in the future “the right patients can be given the right treatment at the right time”.’

Related Articles:

Pancreatic cancer is four different diseases, study finds

Major insight into killer pancreatic cancer- BBC News

Scientists discover pancreatic cancer is four separate diseases- The Guardian

Tuesday 26th January 2016- The Telegraph: Toddler gets world first adult kidney transplant using 3D printing

‘A three-year-old girl from Northern Ireland has become the first to have a life-saving adult kidney transplant, using 3D printing.

At four months old, Lucy Boucher suffered heart failure which starved her kidneys of oxygen. She was told she would need to have kidney dialysis for life, until surgeons at London’s Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Great Ormond Street Hospital performed the transplant.’

‘To conduct the transplant, for which Lucy’s father Chris, 35, donated his kidney, the surgeons made detailed models of Mr Boucher’s kidney and Lucy’s abdomen with a 3D printer, so they could map out the procedure with precision, hence minimising risks.

The surgery, which took place last November, has now been pronounced a success, with both father and daughter in recovery.’

‘According to Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust: “It is the first time in the world that 3D printing has been used to aid kidney transplant surgery involving an adult donor and a child recipient.”

Mr Boucher said: “My first reaction when I saw the 3D printout of my kidney was surprise at how big it was and I wondered how it could possibly fit into Lucy.

“Seeing the model of her abdomen and the way the kidney was going to be transplanted inside her gave me a clear understanding of exactly what was going to happen.”‘

Related Articles:

Toddler gets world first adult kidney transplant using 3D printing

Kidney transplant: Antrim parents’ gratitude after innovative surgery aided by 3D printing- BBC News

Thursday 14th January 2016- World Health Organisation: Latest Ebola outbreak over in Liberia; West Africa is at zero, but new flare-ups are likely to occur

‘Today, WHO declares the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Liberia and says all known chains of transmission have been stopped in West Africa. But the Organization says the job is not over, more flare-ups are expected and that strong surveillance and response systems will be critical in the months to come.

Liberia was first declared free of Ebola transmission in May 2015, but the virus was re-introduced twice since then, with the latest flare-up in November. Today’s announcement comes 42 days (two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus) after the last confirmed patient in Liberia tested negative for the disease 2 times.’

‘This date marks the first time since the start of the epidemic 2 years ago that all 3 of the hardest-hit countries—Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone—have reported 0 cases for at least 42 days. Sierra Leone was declared free of Ebola transmission on 7 November 2015 and Guinea on 29 December.’

‘WHO cautions that the 3 countries remain at high risk of additional small outbreaks of Ebola, like the most recent one in Liberia. To date, 10 such flare-ups have been identified that were not part of the original outbreak, and are likely the result of the virus persisting in survivors even after recovery. Evidence shows that the virus disappears relatively quickly from survivors, but can remain in the semen of a small number of male survivors for as long as 1 year, and in rare instances, be transmitted to intimate partners.’

‘WHO and partners are working with the Governments of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to help ensure that survivors have access to medical and psychosocial care and screening for persistent virus, as well as counselling and education to help them reintegrate into family and community life, reduce stigma and minimize the risk of Ebola virus transmission.

The Ebola epidemic claimed the lives of more than 11 300 people and infected over 28 500. The disease wrought devastation to families, communities and the health and economic systems of all 3 countries.’

Related Articles:

Latest Ebola outbreak over in Liberia; West Africa is at zero, but new flare-ups are likely to occur

Liberia Ebola epidemic ‘over’, ending West African outbreak- BBC News

Ebola is over in west Africa, says World Health Organisation- The Guardian

Ebola outbreak declared officially over, as World Health Organisation says all lines of transmission are stopped- The Independent

Monday 11th January 2016- The Guardian: First genome project diagnoses give hope to two four-year-olds

‘Doctors feared something was wrong the moment Georgia Walburn-Green was born… Now aged four, it is clear that Georgia is not developing properly. As a baby, she struggled to hold her head up, look around the room, and sit upright. She has a kidney condition, growths in her eyes, and a disorder that means she may never speak. On top of this, despite dozens of invasive tests and scans, doctors could not diagnose her condition.

That changed two weeks before Christmas when Georgia’s family received a call from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Doctors there had finally identified the problem: a rare genetic mutation on a single gene. The diagnosis has transformed the family’s life. Knowing that they did not pass on the disease, Amanda and her husband, Matt, are now trying for a second baby.

Georgia, and another four-year-old girl called Jessica, are the first children to be diagnosed with rare diseases through the UK’s 100,000 Genomes Project. Both received diagnoses last month, ending years of uncertainty for them and their families. The £300m project was launched by David Cameron in 2014 to improve diagnoses and treatments of rare genetic disorders and cancer.’

‘Researchers on the project compared DNA from the girls and their parents to find that each child had a fault in a single gene. Having identified the genetic defects, doctors can now test for them in other children who display the same developmental problems as Georgia or Jessica.

“We’ve got a long way to go before we really understand rare diseases and cancer, but we feel very hopeful that this is the beginning of something powerful and helpful,” said Maria Bitner-Glindzicz, a clinical geneticist at Great Ormond Street. While the diseases are individually rare, they are common as a group. Doctors have identified 7,000 rare genetic illnesses which affect one in 17 people in the UK.’

Related Articles:

First genome project diagnoses give hope to two four-year-olds

Genome project helps its first two young patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital- The Independent

Children suffering mystery illnesses finally diagnosed through gene screening- The Telegraph

Tuesday 5th January 2016- BBC News: Bionic eye changing woman’s life after losing sight

‘A woman who has gradually been losing her sight for years has been describing the joys of being able to see again after being fitted with a bionic eye.

Rhian Lewis, from Cardiff, Wales, was given the retinal implant as part of a trial which could go on to benefit thousands of people suffering from sight loss.

The 49-year-old had an operation to implant a tiny 3x3mm chip into her right eye.’

See:

Bionic eye changing woman’s life after losing sight

Tuesday 29th December 2015- World Health Organisation: End of Ebola transmission in Guinea

‘Today the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of Ebola virus transmission in the Republic of Guinea. Forty-two days have passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease tested negative for the second time. Guinea now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance to ensure that any new cases are identified quickly before they can spread to other people.

“WHO commends the Government of Guinea and its people on the significant achievement of ending its Ebola outbreak. We must render homage to the Government and people of Guinea who, in adversity, have shown extraordinary leadership in fighting the epidemic,” says Dr Mohamed Belhocine, WHO Representative in Guinea. “WHO and its partners will continue to support Guinea during the next 90 days of heightened surveillance and in its early efforts to restart and strengthen essential health services throughout 2016.”

A milestone for the Ebola outbreak    

The end of Ebola transmission in Guinea marks an important milestone in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The original chain of transmission started two years ago in Gueckedou, Guinea in late December 2013 and drove the outbreak which spread to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone and, ultimately, by land and air travel to seven other countries.

“This is the first time that all three countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – have stopped the original chains of transmission that were responsible for starting this devastating outbreak two years ago,” says Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “I commend the governments, communities and partners for their determination in confronting this epidemic to get to this milestone. As we work towards building resilient health care systems, we need to stay vigilant to ensure that we rapidly stop any new flares that may come up in 2016.”’

Related Articles:

End of Ebola transmission in Guinea

Ebola transmission ends in Guinea- The BMJ

Ebola outbreak ends in Guinea, says WHO- BBC News

Guinea declared free of Ebola- The Guardian

Monday 16th November 2015- BBC News: US firefighter has world’s most extensive face transplant

‘US surgeons say they have carried out the world’s most extensive face transplant to date, including the entire scalp, ears and eyelids.

Plastic surgeon Dr Eduardo Rodriguez led the team that performed the 26-hour surgery to give injured volunteer firefighter Patrick Hardison, aged 41, a new face.

The donor was a 26-year-old, David Rodebaugh, who was fatally injured in a cycling accident.

The operation took place in August.’

‘At the time, the team at the NYU Langone Medical Center said the procedure had a 50:50 chance of working.

Patrick Hardison before his injuries

Mr Hardison, who was injured in a house fire as he attempted to rescue a woman he believed was trapped in the blaze, had third degree burns of his entire face and scalp.

He waited more than a year on a donor register for a perfect match – not only blood type but someone with fair skin and light hair.’

‘Two operating teams worked in unison, one preparing the donor and the other the recipient.

David Rodebaugh, who donated his face and organs to help others’

‘Three months on from the million dollar procedure, Mr Hardison, a father of five, is healing nicely, although he will need to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of his life to stop his body’s immune system from fighting the transplant.

Dr Rodriguez estimates that no more than five of the other patients who have received facial transplants around the world died after the new tissue was rejected.

He told a press conference: “The amount of tissue transplanted in Patrick has not been done before.

“He is doing very well today for only day 93 [post-op].”

The procedure has restored his eyelids and blinking mechanism and he now has a full head of hair, as well as eyebrows, stubble and ears.’

Related Articles:

US firefighter has world’s most extensive face transplant

Firefighter receives full face transplant in surgery called ‘historic’- The Guardian

Disfigured firefighter gets most extensive face transplant ever- The Independent

Saturday 7th November 2015- World Health Organisation: WHO [declares Sierra Leone as Ebola free as it] commends Sierra Leone for stopping Ebola virus transmission

‘Today, the World Health Organization declares that Ebola virus transmission has been stopped in Sierra Leone. Forty-two days, that is two Ebola virus incubation cycles, have now passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease had a second negative blood test.

“Since Sierra Leone recorded the first Ebola case in May 2014, a total number of 8,704 people were infected and 3,589 have died, 221 of them healthcare workers, all of whom we remember on this day” said Dr Anders Nordström, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone.

The country now enters a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance which will run until 5 February 2016 and WHO will continue to support Sierra Leone during this period. This new phase is critical for ensuring early detection of any possible new cases of Ebola virus disease.

The World Health Organization commends the Government of Sierra Leone and her people on achieving this significant milestone in the country’s fight against Ebola. Sierra Leone achieved this milestone through tremendous hard work and commitment while battling the most unprecedented Ebola virus disease outbreak in human history. ‘

Related Articles:

WHO commends Sierra Leone for stopping Ebola virus transmission

Ebola outbreak: Sierra Leone declared free of disease- BBC News

WHO officially declares Sierra Leone Ebola-free- The Guardian

Thursday 5th November 2015- BBC News: ‘Designer cells’ reverse one-year-old’s cancer

‘The first person in the world to receive a pioneering genetic therapy has had her cancer reversed, say Great Ormond Street doctors.

One-year-old Layla Richards, from London, had incurable aggressive leukaemia only five months ago.

Doctors used “designer immune cells” to fight the cancer and say her improvement was “almost a miracle”.

It is too soon to know if she has been cured, but her progress already marks a huge moment for the field.

Layla was three months old when she was diagnosed with the condition.

As often happens with very young babies, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant failed to cure her.’

‘Doctors had nothing left to offer and, the day before her first birthday, her family were advised to go through palliative care.

But Layla’s dad Ashleigh refused to give up. He told the BBC: “I didn’t want to go down that road, I’d rather that she tried something new and I took the gamble.

“And this is her today standing laughing and giggling, she was so weak before this treatment, it was horrible and I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”‘

‘Prof Waseem Qasim, from Great Ormond Street, added: “This is the first time human cells, engineered in this particular way, have been given back to a patient and that was a big step for us.

“The technology is moving very fast, the ability to target very specific regions of the genome have suddenly become much more efficient and we think that this technology will be the next phase of treatments.’

Related Articles:

‘Designer cells’ reverse one-year-old’s cancer

Baby girl is first in the world to be treated with ‘designer immune cells’- The Guardian

British baby given genetically-edited immune cells to beat cancer in world first- The Telegraph

Monday 2nd November 2015- The Guardian: A ‘huge milestone’: approval of cancer-hunting virus signals new treatment era

‘A new cancer treatment strategy is on the horizon that experts say could be a game-changer and spare patients the extreme side effects of existing options such as chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and other current cancer treatments are brutal, scorched-earth affairs that work because cancer cells are slightly – but not much – more susceptible to the havoc they wreak than the rest of the body. Their side effects are legion, and in many cases horrifying – from hair loss and internal bleeding to chronic nausea and even death.

But last week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first time approved a single treatment that can intelligently target cancer cells while leaving healthy ones alone, and simultaneously stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer itself.

The treatment, which is called T-VEC (for talimogene laherparepvec) but will be sold under the brand name Imlygic, uses a modified virus to hunt cancer cells in what experts said was an important and significant step in the battle against the deadly disease.

It works by introducing a specially modified form of the herpes virus by injection directly into a tumour – specifically skin cancer, the indication for which the drug has been cleared for use.

It was developed by the Massachusetts-based biotech company BioVex, which was acquired in 2011 by biotech behemoth Amgen for $1bn. The genetic code of the virus – which was originally taken from the cold sore of a BioVex employee – has been modified so it can kill only cancer cells.’

See:

A ‘huge milestone’: approval of cancer-hunting virus signals new treatment era