http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/wtae/20010530/lo/817467_1.html

Breast Cancer Vaccine Tested In Windber

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.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.