ANGLE’s (LON:AGL) medical diagnostics business, Parsortix, has made another important breakthrough.

Its cell separation device can capture prostate cancer cells, it was revealed today, having already been used successfully to capture cultured breast cancer cells added to human blood.

The latest results support the thesis that the device can be used to screen for any solid tumour cancers without need for modification.

If this is indeed the case, then it marks the Parsortix technology out as potentially being far more effective than the existing cancer tests, which are cancer-specific and often return false negative results.     

ANGLE founder and chief executive, Andrew Newland, said: “The successful capture and identification of prostate cancer cells added to blood further substantiates the potential for the Parsortix separation technology to become a market-leading product, which is simple, effective and affordable.”

Parsortix is the jewel in the crown of the ANGLE portfolio. its small, devilishly simple separation device has all sorts of ramifications for the way the disease is treated and monitored.

For a start it may be possible using the device to determine which treatments are working, and which are not.  

Now this promises a huge improvement in the way chemotherapy is administered. 

The device also has the potential to monitor patients in remission, and to pick up early signs of the return of the cancer, ahead of the patient experiencing any symptoms.  

The earlier the treatment, the greater the likelihood the patient will survive.

Furthermore, it may be possible to develop a simple blood test to provide routine screening of healthy people to check for early signs of cancer ahead of any symptoms.

Although still in its infancy, Parsortix technology may ultimately have the ability to identify all the hard tumour types, without knowing in advance which cancer is expected.  

This is a step on from the existing means of identifying circulating cancer cells, where the tests are specific to each cancer type and even then are not totally reliable.  

“we think ours has a much more universal application – hopefully to all solid tumours,” said Newland in a recent interview with Proactive Investors.

The company is currently in discussions with leading cancer research groups including the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester. 

The idea of this and other similar collaborations is to field test the device using blood taken from cancer patients. 

It also allows for development of the separation device and the supporting equipment in a real world setting. 

The potential clinical market is huge and is conservatively estimated by the company to be worth around US$4 billion annually in the United States alone.

However, to be sold for use in hospitals the device requires what’s called 510k approval from the all powerful US Food & Drug Administration and a CE Mark here in Europe. 

That process is likely to take a further 18 months of research, development and testing – and cost around £5 million.

Although the company is talking to potential partners, ANGLE may bankroll the development itself. 

It has options to achieve this, including the sale of one of the businesses in the company’s portfolio.

Alternatively it could fund the work by licensing selective use of the separation device to big pharmaceutical companies developing drugs for cancer as what’s called a companion diagnostic.

“that way we would get a big partner working with us, but wouldn’t give away the crown jewels,” Newland said.

“there is the potential to take the separation device rapidly into the research sales market as this does not require regulatory approval and that is our first target.” 

ANGLE owns 90 per cent of Parsortix.

posted by karen on 20 Feb 2011 at 5:29 pm

This article is a joke. I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 25 years and all the yogurt in the world has not put my disease in remission.I am now having surgery as my only means for a cure and believe me, you would never elect to have this surgery..it is a last resort.the government needs to seriously step up their efforts and funding to find the cause and cure forthis terribly debilitating chronic disease and all the drugs that are used to just mask the symptoms which also have devastating side effects. This illness has impacted my life at so many levels. I can no longer hold a job and spend most of my days feeling sick and miserable and I have been constantly on and off prednisone for years. I won’t even go into the terrible long term side effects of this drug.Just because there are not enough people with this disease as there are with heart conditions or cancer does not mean the government should not put more money into research for the cause and cure for this disease.the only real cure at the moment is surgery which consists of complete removal of your colon and creation of a jpouch with your small intestine that attempts to take the place of your colon and not without many limitations. the other alternative is a permanent ileostomy ( a procedure where they bring your small intestine to your abdomen wall and now you have a external bag attached to your abdomen 24/7 which collects your waste). Jpouch surgery is in no way a terrific option as this surgery comes with a whole set of other issues to deal with (incontinence,pouchitis, fistulas, bowel obstructions, and possibly failure and creation of a permanent ileostomy anyway). the only reason people choose this invasive surgery is to hopefully not end up with a permmenant ileostomy for the rest of their life. Please… scientists, researchers, government…step up your efforts to find the cause and cure for this debilitating disease. People often develop in during the prime of their life and it totally robs you of your humility, self esteem, confidence and your capabilities, in addition to the dreadful physical pain is causes you chronically.Ulcerative colitis has caused me more pain, turmoil and grief in my life than a physically well person will ever be able to comprehend. It is the ugliest of all diseases.

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by Kallie (Chicago, IL)

I was recently diagnosed with Crohns Disease at age 20, however I have been told that I have a very mild case of it. In the process of being diagnosed the doctor informed me that I have sores from my throat to my colon, and considering my sister was getting married I am sure the stress played a huge role in my diagnosis.It was 6 months of tests, different medications, and bed rest to finally come to the conclusion that I was suffering from Crohns Disease. All my life I have dealt with GI issues, my father passed at an early age from colon cancer and following that my sister had her entire colon removed at age 17 due to colon polyps. Since then my other sister has also been diagnosed with polyposis and she will also soon be having her colon removed. Since being diagnosed I have been studying homeopathic medicine with my brother. I have found this to be extremely helpful, and as redundant as it sounds, eating, sleeping and thinking well have really played a huge factor in my remission. I have only been in remission since the New Year but I am keeping a bright look on the future. I do not see this as a flaw, a burden, or baggage but only a new thing to live for and to fight for. I am extremely grateful for my doctor and the concoction of medications that he has finally found to hinder the symptoms. I am currently seeing him on a monthly basis to keep a close eye on my condition. All I can say is this is not the end but only the beginning to a better life, as my doctor says, ?Your dad died so you kids would not have to, he saved you all.?

I was treated for lyme disease while it was in its early stages about 3 months ago but have been feeling some of the symptoms i had before, is it possible i could still be suffering from it?I cant find anything else to explain the way i feel.

Yes, the bugs can hide in your system and then come roaring back after you thought you were well. Educate yourself about this complicated illness.

Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
canlyme.com
lymenet.com
lymeinfo.net
lymediseaseassociation.org
ilads.org
betterhealthguy.com
publichealthalert.com
freewebs.com/teenswithlyme

yes. it is very possible you still have Lyme Disease. Think of it like Cancer. it can be under remission and it can come back. Go to the doctor. Also, I have heard from a few individuals that they had success using a zapper to eliminate or lessen the symptoms of their Lyme Disease. I have not used this myself so I recommend you totally research this yourself. here is a website to get you started: zap.intergate.ca/

Hi Rasko

To answer your question yes. THe immune system is probably still weak and you need a lot nutrition, water, and better blood circulation to improve.

Here are some ideas to start the healing process. Contacts on the bottom.

Quick Action Steps for Lyme Disease

1. To help determine if you have Lyme Disease, go to Dr. Burrascano's symptom checklist (a.k.a. Risk Profile) using the following link: www2.lymenet.org/domino/file.n…

2. Avoid all alcohol and sugars, all processed and fried foods, all refined flour products, commercial fruit and vegetable juices, artificial sweeteners, and foods that contain hydrogenated oils and trans-fatty acids. Dairy products, caffeine, and non-herbal teas should be consumed sparingly, if at all.

3. Emphasize a diet of organic, whole foods, with plenty of fresh fruits, complex whole grains, organic free-range meats, poultry, and wild caught fish, and drink an abundance of pure, filtered water.

4. Also be sure to be tested for food allergies and sensitivities and eliminate all foods for which you test positive.

5. useful nutrients include vitamin a, beta-carotene, vitamin B1, biotin, inositol, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, omega-3 oils, calcium pantothenate, magnesium, and zinc, as well as CoQ10, acidophilus, the amino acid L-carnitine, and thymus gland extract.

6. Helpful herbs include astragalus, gingko biloba, ginseng, and maitake and reishi mushrooms, as well as cordyceps and Laryx.

7. Get plenty of rest and learn how to effectively minimize and manage stress.

8. To ensure full recovery, also seek out the help of support groups and organizations dedicated to providing information about Lyme disease. the following doctors and organizations are a good place to start:

Joseph J. Burrascano, Jr., M.D., 139 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, NY 11937; (631) 324-7337

Lida Mattman, Ph.D., Nelson Medical Research Institute, 11664 Martin Road, Warren, MI 48093; (810)755-6430

JoAnne Whitaker, M.D., Bowen Research and Training Institute, inc., P.O. Box 627, Palm Harbor, Florida 34682; (727) 937-9077. Website: bowen.org

The following organizations provide further resources and information about Lyme disease:

International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. P.O. Box 341461, Bethesda, MD 20827: (301) 263-1080. Website: ilads.org

Lyme Disease Foundation, inc. One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103; (860) 525-2000. 24-hour Hotline: (800) 866-LYME. Websites: lyme.org, jstd.org

The Lyme Disease Network. 43 Winton Road East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Website: lymenet.org

Vonner Health Services. 500 Spring Street, Suite 104, Gainesville, GA 30506; (770) 654-9400. Website: vonner.com

Best of health to you

Yes.
Though I don't agree it's "like cancer", it CAN come back…IF you were "insufficiently treated"… OR got bit AGAIN.
It is NOT like the flu, where you build up an immunity, as ea Lyme spirochette is slightly different from the next (there are believed to be dozens of sub-species) PLUS a few "ketes" can often evade the immune system- and abx- by "hiding" INSIDE cells & in tissues/ fluids that are away from the bloodstream.
getting back to what's "sufficient" to treat, most Lyme groups & associations recommend 4 – 6 weeks of an abx like dyoxycycline taken twice a day (typ adult: 100mg b.i.d.)
though 3 weeks is sufficient in MOST cases, but… why take a chance with such a stubborn disease?
Go see a doc FAMILIAR with treating Lyme & have some tests run. Sending the blood to a good lab like IgeneX (PaloAlto CA) or MDL Labs (NJ) for an ELISA AND Western blots is highly recommended.
A '+' on Lyme-specific bands for your "IgM Western blot" indicate a current infection. All antibodies revert to 'IgG +' after a couple months. It's a somewhat unreliable test, but along with a full clinical picture, a good doc can make the call.
Good luck!

Ulcerative colitis medications do not actually cure ulcerative colitis. they can, however, give the ulcerative colitis sufferer some relief from symptoms brought on by this condition which causes inflammation in the colon. One of the other primary reasons for using ulcerative colitis medications is to reach a stage of remission and hold it.

Healthcare providers typically use the following ulcerative colitis medications most often.

Sulfasalazine – Sulfasalazine is a combination of sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicyclic acid, which is also known as 5-ASA. The role of sulfapyridine is to transport 5-aminosalicyclic acid to the intestines. But sulfapyridine has a variety of possible effects like headaches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and diarrhea.

Aminosalicylates – There’s also 5-ASA in this medication but no sulfapyridine. Therefore, it has no side effects and can be taken by those who can’t take aminosalyicylates.. Aminosalicylates are made from salicylic acid, and there’s evidence they have antioxidant properties. there are several ways these ulcerative colitis medications can be taken: orally, enema, or suppository. The delivery method depends on the location of the colitis. This group of ulcerative colitis medications is usually first treatment for individuals with colitis. they can also be beneficial when the patient has a relapse.

Corticosteroids – these are made up of several different kinds of drugs, including hydrocortisone, prednisone and methylprednisone. The main benefit of corticosteroids is their ability to reduce inflammation and therefore relieve the discomfort of symptoms. Patients usually respond well to corticosteroids when they have ulcerative colitis that’s described as moderate to severe. Corticosteroids can be administered intravenously, orally, in suppository form, or through an enema.. your healthcare provider will choose the appropriate delivery method based on the location of the inflammation in your colon. Certicosteroids are better when used in the short term. But they have been known to cause side effects in the long term, including weight gain, risk of infection. mood swings, hypertension, facial hair, diabetes, bone mass loss, and acne.

Immunomodulators – these have an effect on the immune system that reduces swelling and inflammation. Corticosteroids are usually recommended when corticosteroids and 5-ASA’s haven’t worked, or when the patient has become dependent of corticosteroids. They’re the most favored choice of many patients because they can be taken by mouth. But immunomodulators also have several downsides. first, it can take months before the full benefit is realized (sometimes as many as six). there can also be complications and side effects, including pancreatitis, hepatitis, a low white blood cell count, and an increased risk of infection.

Cyclosporine A – This treatment is most appropriate for patients whose ulcerative colitis is active and severe, and when intravenous drugs are ineffective. it is often used in combination with 6-MP or azathioprine. other medications are sometimes prescribed too in order to help the patient cope with diarrhea, infection, or general discomfort caused by the condition.

As mentioned above, ulcerative colitis cannot be cured, except by surgically removing the colon. But ulcerative colitis medications are useful because they delay the need for surgery, keep inflammation to a minimum, and help prevent relapses and flare ups.

Your healcare provider will evaluate many factors in deciding on the best ulcerative colitis medication and course of treatment for you. The primary factors are

* how much pain is being caused by your symptoms

* the likelihood of complications

* any side effects you may have to face

* any other ulcerative colitis treatments you have previously tried

Although many similarities exist from one case to another, ulcerative colitis affects different individuals in different ways.. So, your doctor may have to try different options before he or she finds the one – or combination – that is appropriate for you.

Click on ulcerative colitis treatments and ulcerative colitis to learn more about the colon. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and television talk show host with a special interest in medical subjects.

Burnley fan joins his heroes in prostate cancer fight

2:42pm Monday 6th December 2010

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A BURNLEY fan recovering from prostate cancer has joined forces with Clarets stars to raise awareness of the disease.

John Bickerstaffe, the face of the club’s Together campaign, is currently in remission having successfully fought the disease.

In the campaign, club skipper Graham Alexander and Wade Elliott have leant their support to the Prostate Cancer Charity in a bid to raise awareness of the symptoms and encourage male Clarets fans to get themselves checked out.

Mr Bickerstaffe said: “The thought of cancer could easily put men off being tested, but early diagnosis is absolutely paramount.

“Up to now three friends of mine have had their prostate removed and been given the all-clear as a direct result of listening to my plight.

“Two others have a higher than normal blood count and are being monitored.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK.

around 36,000 men are diagnosed every year and around 250,000 men are currently living with the disease.

During ‘Movember’ — the annual worldwide fundraiser where men grow a moustache to raise funds — Burnley FC club journalist Pete ‘Wing Commander’ Oliver raised £90 by sporting a dodgy tash for a whole month.

Mr Bickerstaffe, who was in the middle of chemotherapy when the Together poster picture was taken, has recently raised an impressive £2,265.07 for the charity by completing the great North run with son David and daughter Rachel.

Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate gland start to grow in an uncontrolled way. anyone worried about Prostate Cancer or their health should visit their GP for more information.

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A courageous mum – and former Observer woman of the year – is about to publish her first book.

Jane Gill-Wilson was nominated for the award in 1998 because of charity fundraising she organised after being diagnosed with two serious illnesses.

The mum-of-three learned that she had lupus – a chronic autoimmune condition – in 1996 when she was just 36.

She was then diagnosed with having breast cancer just a few months later.

Jane underwent a mastectomy in 1997, with further health problems causing her to have a second operation in 2008. She is currently in remission from cancer but stil suffers the symptoms of lupus.

Now the former nurse has written 17 poems, in a collection called Raw Emotion, recalling her experiences of ill health and depression, with the goal of inspiring other women.

Jane said it was something she had been wanting to do for a long time.

She said: “I have always wanted to tell my story and I have been writing for years, but the inspiration to tell it in rhyme was sudden.

“One of the poems in the book is called Blossom in Bloom.

“When I was first diagnosed I planted a cherry blossom tree in the garden.

“That has become very poignant now because each time it blossoms it seems to represent new life.

“Others are about my children because they have always been my inspiration, keeping me going.” Jane, who moved from, Brigsteer Close in Clayton-le-Moors to Clitheroe in 1998, decided to turn her hand to writing poetry after setting up a brand new website called Shared Experiences in April. on the website she blogs about living with a chronic illness and encourages other women to tell their own personal stories.

She said: “Shared Experiences is for women who have been through similar situations of ill health, or marital difficulties and other life events.

“I invite ladies to tell their stories, and as a consequence of that I started to write my own verse poetry.

“It was through people reading it and saying you must publish this that I came up with the idea of publishing a small book. I would like to think that my verse doesn’t just relate to me, but any woman who has been through a life threatening event.”

Jane has been divorced twice and says depression is something many people living with chronic illnesses face. She said: “In the beginning of my book my dedication is to all those who are less fortunate than myself and all those who continue in their fight. it says never give up hope, because I think a positive mental attitude is vital in coping with chronic illness.” The collection, which is to be to be published by SilverWood Books, will be released for sale at the end of February. Jane is also working on her life story, just another Hurdle, to be published at a later date.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Forget chasing the no. 1 ranking. Phil Mickelson was more worried about being able to get out of bed. Mickelson revealed Tuesday he has psoriatic arthritis, which causes his immune system to attack his joints and tendons and produced such intense pain he couldn’t walk. he noticed the first symptoms five days before the U.S. Open, and the pain eventually got so bad he made a visit to the Mayo Clinic. Weekly shots have brought the disease under control, and Mickelson said there shouldn’t be any negative impact on his long- or even short-term health. “I’m surprised at how quickly it’s gone away, and how quickly it’s been able to be managed and controlled,” he said. “I feel 100 percent, like I say. But when I’m laying there on the couch and I can’t move, you know, yeah, I had some concerns. But I feel a lot better now.” As if that bombshell wasn’t enough for the day, Lefty dropped another one: the burger connoisseur is now a vegetarian. “I know, I know,” he said as reporters laughed. “As long as I believe that there’s a possibility that it will help me overall, yeah, I’ll continue to do that. if it will somehow keep this in remission or stop it from coming back, yeah, I’ll be able to do it. But I haven’t been put it to the real test. The real test is driving by a Five Guys and not stopping.” Mickelson has been threatening to replace Tiger Woods as world no. 1 since The Players Championship in early may, only to stumble at each opportunity. That’s led many to wonder what’s ailing him, particularly after his lackluster round Sunday at Firestone, where he made seven bogeys and a double-bogey – and just one birdie – on his way to a 78. Turns out, the ranking was the least of his worries. Mickelson, who turned 40 in June, said he woke up five days before the U.S. Open with “intense pain” in his tendons and joints that left him unable to move and his joints feeling sprained. Stretching, walking and anti-inflammatories alleviated the pain, and he went ahead and played Pebble Beach, where he shot 66 on Friday to put himself in contention. he wound up tied for fourth. But the condition got progressively worse during the U.S. Open and a family vacation to Hawaii afterward, spreading to his knees, hips and elbows. “That’s when I got concerned,” he said. “I certainly had the gamut of thoughts. … I would just lay down and I couldn’t roll over. I was concerned about being able to swing a club and so forth.” after the British Open, Mickelson made a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where doctors confirmed the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the condition causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. While it can be linked to psoriasis, the arthritis can appear without the presence of skin lesions. There is no cure for the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic website, but the disease is treatable. Weekly shots of Enbrel lower his immune system, and Mickelson said the difference was noticeable almost immediately. “I feel great now and things have been much, much better,” he said. “I’ll probably take this drug for about a year, and feel 100 percent. I’ll stop it and see if it goes into remission and it may never come back. it may be gone forever.” “It’s not that it’s cured, but it may never come back,” he added. “Or if it does come back, I’ll start the treatment again and should be able to live a normal life without having any adverse effects. So I’m not very concerned about it.” The arthritis is the latest health scare for Mickelson’s family. His wife, Amy, and mother are both battling breast cancer; the long-term prognosis for both is good. While Mickelson said the arthritis didn’t affect his play at Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, where he was never a factor, he only resumed his regular practice routine last week. Revealing his condition earlier might have lessened some of the criticism of his game these last few weeks. But that’s not Lefty’s style. “First of all, I don’t want excuses. And second, I don’t want to discuss something when I don’t know what the outcome is going to be,” Mickelson said. “For five or six weeks, I was a little unsure of how this was going to affect me long term, career, what have you. Now that I feel confident it’s not going to affect not only the rest of my career or the rest of my life, but even in the short term it shouldn’t have an effect, I feel a lot better about it and I’m a lot more at ease to discuss it.” Mickelson certainly looked at ease Tuesday during his practice round at Whistling Straits. he joked and laughed often with playing partners Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton and Steve Marino, and it was clear there was more riding on the round than simple practice. When Mickelson drained a 10-footer on 18, he gave a hearty fist pump. “I’m probably not as sharp as I would like to be,” the four-time major champion said. “I didn’t play well at the British, obviously. I didn’t play well last week, on the weekend, but I’m able to work on it. I had a good session with Butch and I believe that the game’s coming around. I’m not sure where I’ll be on Thursday, but hopefully I’ll be ready.”