Soon, breathalyser to detect lung cancer
British scientists are developing a breathalyser device that
can detect lung cancer in early stages even before patients start experiencing
the symptoms.
Lung cancer is one of the world's biggest killers. In the
UK, it accounts for six per cent of all deaths, largely because treatment is
often ineffective by the time symptoms
are diagnosed.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are developing
the device that will be able to detect very early signs of the disease, making
a cure much more likely. It will be pharmacists who administer a test that has
the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives, researchers said.
"The intention is that we will catch patients before
they start getting the symptoms. Once lung cancer patients start experiencing
symptoms it is often very advanced and has a very low cure rate," said Dr
Rachel Airley, the University of Huddersfield lecturer who developed the breath
test project.
The project has received financial backing from Dr Philip
Brown of the SG Court Group, a pharmacy chain based in the South East of
England, where initial trials will be carried out.
"We are looking to be able to distinguish between
patients with early lung cancer and patients who have maybe got bronchitis,
emphysema or non-malignant smoking related disease...or who have maybe just got
a cough," Airley said.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
19.12.2013
High BP pill could ease
arthritis pain
An inexpensive pill that
treats high blood pressure and heart failure could also help ease pain in
people with arthritis without causing any side-effects, scientists say.
Recent research suggests
the drug called spironolacton could provide a breakthrough in the treatment of
osteoarthritis for people with aching, ageing joints.
It is believed
spironolactone suppresses a hormone called aldosterone, which has also been
linked to inflammation in the joints, 'Daily Express' reported.
It is also thought that
the drug boosts cortisol, a hormone which reduces the body's sensitivity to
pain. Osteoarthritis usually develops with age as cartilage, nature's
"shock absorber", is worn down in major joints including the hips,
knees and wrists.
Scientists at Dundee
University turned to spironolactone, in their hunt for a safer, cheaper
painkiller, the report said. After an initial study highlighted the drug's
painkilling powers, scientists are now setting up a larger trial to assess its
full potential.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
19.12.2013
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