Cancer breakthrough could fight HIV

Melbourne scientists who have developed a potential treatment for cancer say it may also benefit people suffering from viral infections such as HIV and herpes.

Scientists at Melbourne’s Monash University have had outstanding results from trials which boost the immune system of people suffering from cancer. They are using a drug that is already on the market to rejuvinate the thymus which produces T-cells. T-cells fight disease in the body.Acting Victorian Premier John Thwaites says six major hospitals in the UK and the United States will trial the treatment. Peter Hansen from Norwood Abbey, which has funded the research, says there are also broader implications. “Another group of hospitals involved in HIV-AIDS studies have also reached an arrangement with us whereby we’ll be commencing a significant AIDS trial,” he said.Melbourne woman Kerrie Brown has been trialling the potential treatment for cancer and says she is excited to be part of the groundbreaking research. Ms Brown, 42, lives in Mount Martha and is a mother of two young children. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just over a year ago and took part in a trial of the potential treatment just before having a bone marrow transplant. She says she is very pleased the study is taking place in Melbourne. “It’s no fun being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and not that this will necessarily cure the cancer but it certainly has helped my chances of long-term survival,” she said.The treatment involves boosting the immune system and has had outstanding results in trials at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.(Source: ABC News: 24th June 2003)