CANCER: DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, RESEARCHDiagnostic testsInvestigators are using several diagnostic tests for cancer, as the Wassermann test is used in syphilis. If it can be found that these changes in the serum of the blood come early in the disease and can be quickly detected, an intensive search can be made for the manifestations of cancer in the body.
ResearchCertain substances of the nature of folic acid have been found capable of stimulating the growth of body cells. Cancer, too, is an excessively rapid overgrowth of body cells. Other substances have been found which act against folic acid in this activity. The scientists are determining the value of anti-folic compounds as a treatment of such conditions as acute leukemia in which there is excessive growth of the white cells of the blood.Cell chemistry is fundamentally involved in the production of cancer. For instance, one investigator painted the skin of baby chicks with a chemical called methylcholanthrene, which acts as an irritant and which is known to be a carcinogenic agent. Chicks are particularly resistant to this substance. The skin did not respond except with the appearance of a few warts. Then the chicks were injected with considerable doses of the male sex hormone, testosterone, and cancers appeared, some of which were large. This shows the effects of hormones on cell growth.Dr. Huggins and his associates at the University of Chicago had shown that estrogenic hormones, the female sex hormone, can be of help in controlling the prostate gland cancers of men, and other investigators have shown that testosterone definitely modifies activities of breast cancers in women.Many different chemical substances have been tested for their effects on the human body, with particular relationship to their ability to prevent the excessive growth of cells. When it was found that the constituents of the war gases known as nitrogen mustards could lessen the production of white blood cells, a series of studies were made involving 100 different nitrogen mustard compounds. Four, which seemed to be best, were eventually tested against human leukemia and also against Hodgkin’s disease, which is a form of cancer of the lymph glands. The effects were interesting but did not prove of sufficient value to be adopted as a common treatment. Out of such studies came also trial of the anti-folic acid compounds. These studies warranted the conclusion that the substances that antagonize folic acid have a definitely beneficial, although temporary, effect on cases of acute leukemia. This is not a specific cure for the disease, but is so definitely a specific action that it represents a real advance in the treatment of acute leukemia. Urethane is one of several chemical compounds that have seemed to offer some usefulness against leukemia.In 1956 several new substances were being tested in the chemical attack on cancer. Domagk who discovered the sulfonamides has a drug called 10 – ethylene – imino – quinone which stops growth of cancer cells without injuring normal cells. An antibiotic called Sanamycin acts similarly.In the fight against cancer one of our most potent weapons is education of the public. Since cancer comes on insidiously and since it is controllable in great numbers of cases in its earliest stages, people have to be told again and again about the early signs and symptoms of cancer.How can you help yourself against cancer? First, resolve to have an annual physical examination, which is a fine insurance not only against cancer but various insidious degenerative diseases. Look out for the cancer danger signals which should send you for an immediate investigation: 1. Any sore that does not heal. 2. A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere. 3. Unusual bleeding or discharge. 4. Any sudden change in a wart or mole. 5. Persistent indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. 6. Persistent hoarseness or cough. 7. Any change in normal bowel habits.*6/318/5*
Diagnostic tests
Investigators are using several diagnostic tests for cancer, as the Wassermann test is used in syphilis. If it can be found that these changes in the serum of the blood come early in the disease and can be quickly detected, an intensive search can be made for the manifestations of cancer in the body.
Research
Certain substances of the nature of folic acid have been found capable of stimulating the growth of body cells. Cancer, too, is an excessively rapid overgrowth of body cells. Other substances have been found which act against folic acid in this activity. The scientists are determining the value of anti-folic compounds as a treatment of such conditions as acute leukemia in which there is excessive growth of the white cells of the blood.
Cell chemistry is fundamentally involved in the production of cancer. For instance, one investigator painted the skin of baby chicks with a chemical called methylcholanthrene, which acts as an irritant and which is known to be a carcinogenic agent. Chicks are particularly resistant to this substance. The skin did not respond except with the appearance of a few warts. Then the chicks were injected with considerable doses of the male sex hormone, testosterone, and cancers appeared, some of which were large. This shows the effects of hormones on cell growth.
Dr. Huggins and his associates at the University of Chicago had shown that estrogenic hormones, the female sex hormone, can be of help in controlling the prostate gland cancers of men, and other investigators have shown that testosterone definitely modifies activities of breast cancers in women.
Many different chemical substances have been tested for their effects on the human body, with particular relationship to their ability to prevent the excessive growth of cells. When it was found that the constituents of the war gases known as nitrogen mustards could lessen the production of white blood cells, a series of studies were made involving 100 different nitrogen mustard compounds. Four, which seemed to be best, were eventually tested against human leukemia and also against Hodgkin’s disease, which is a form of cancer of the lymph glands. The effects were interesting but did not prove of sufficient value to be adopted as a common treatment. Out of such studies came also trial of the anti-folic acid compounds. These studies warranted the conclusion that the substances that antagonize folic acid have a definitely beneficial, although temporary, effect on cases of acute leukemia. This is not a specific cure for the disease, but is so definitely a specific action that it represents a real advance in the treatment of acute leukemia. Urethane is one of several chemical compounds that have seemed to offer some usefulness against leukemia.
In 1956 several new substances were being tested in the chemical attack on cancer. Domagk who discovered the sulfonamides has a drug called 10 – ethylene – imino – quinone which stops growth of cancer cells without injuring normal cells. An antibiotic called Sanamycin acts similarly.
In the fight against cancer one of our most potent weapons is education of the public. Since cancer comes on insidiously and since it is controllable in great numbers of cases in its earliest stages, people have to be told again and again about the early signs and symptoms of cancer.
How can you help yourself against cancer? First, resolve to have an annual physical examination, which is a fine insurance not only against cancer but various insidious degenerative diseases. Look out for the cancer danger signals which should send you for an immediate investigation:
1. Any sore that does not heal.
2. A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere.
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.
4. Any sudden change in a wart or mole.
5. Persistent indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6. Persistent hoarseness or cough.
7. Any change in normal bowel habits.
*6/318/5*
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