http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wtae/20010530/lo/817467_1.html
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is
the leading cause of cancer death among women between the ages of 40 and 45.
But doctors are working on a vaccine specifically designed
for cancer survivors. The medicine is still in the initial stages.
Tests are being conducted at Windber Medical Center in
Somerset County. Windber is one of only two facilites conducting the test that gives
women with breast cancer new hope.
On Wednesday morning, a breast cancer survivor received
the first shot of the vaccine that researchers hope will stop the cancer from recurring.
Candidates for the vaccine are women over the age of 18
who have had a primary diagnosis of breast cancer that has spread to their
lymph nodes and who must be currently free of disease but at high risk for recurrance.
Currently 80 percent of patients do not qualify, but
doctors say that the vaccine’s effectiveness could lead to a cure for all
breast cancer patients.
The vaccine is beginning phase 1 of its clinical trials to
determine things like proper dosage and side effects.
Windber Medical Center is still looking for candidates.
Women interested in joining the trial or who want more information can call Diane
Pringle at Windber’s Joyce Murtha Breast Cancer (news - web sites) Center at
(814) 467-0044.
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