23/11/2009
Irish Scientists Close On Leukaemia Cure
Irish researchers have today revealed results from a recent trials of a new treatment for a rare form of leukaemia which, they say, have proved very promising.
The Galway based team, working with scientists in Dublin have been investigating the drug Tasigna as a possible treatment for sufferers of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Leader of the study, Professor Michael O'Dwyer, who is consultant haematologist at University College Hospital Galway, said the drug exceeded the therapeutic advantages of existing treatment with fewer side effects.
Around 40 new cases of the blood cancer, affects around one in every, 100,000 people are diagnosed here each year. He said that if the results are confirmed in wider studies, the treatment could be available in around 18 months.
Earlier this month, famous American Basketball star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, revealed he was being treated for the rare disease.
The now retired 62-year-old, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia last December but insists his prognosis is positive and is undergoing treatment, however it could not be confirmed whether Mr Abdul-Jabbar was involved in the ongoing trials.
Last year an Irishman from Achill Island, Michael Lavelle, was the first person in Europe to receive the drug, as part of the Irish trials, involving the University College Hospital Galway, St James's Hospital in Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin.
Some 14 Irish people were involved in the Irish trials and received the drug.
(DW/KMcA)
The Galway based team, working with scientists in Dublin have been investigating the drug Tasigna as a possible treatment for sufferers of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Leader of the study, Professor Michael O'Dwyer, who is consultant haematologist at University College Hospital Galway, said the drug exceeded the therapeutic advantages of existing treatment with fewer side effects.
Around 40 new cases of the blood cancer, affects around one in every, 100,000 people are diagnosed here each year. He said that if the results are confirmed in wider studies, the treatment could be available in around 18 months.
Earlier this month, famous American Basketball star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, revealed he was being treated for the rare disease.
The now retired 62-year-old, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia last December but insists his prognosis is positive and is undergoing treatment, however it could not be confirmed whether Mr Abdul-Jabbar was involved in the ongoing trials.
Last year an Irishman from Achill Island, Michael Lavelle, was the first person in Europe to receive the drug, as part of the Irish trials, involving the University College Hospital Galway, St James's Hospital in Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin.
Some 14 Irish people were involved in the Irish trials and received the drug.
(DW/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 August 2016
ESB Crews Working To Restore Power In Inis Meáin And Inis Oírr
Irish energy firm ESB hopes to restore power to residents living in Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr following a major power outage over the weekend.
ESB Crews Working To Restore Power In Inis Meáin And Inis Oírr
Irish energy firm ESB hopes to restore power to residents living in Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr following a major power outage over the weekend.
26 November 2015
Govt Accused Of Putting Lives At Risk With Water Treatment System
The government has been accused of putting lives at risk with its "failure" to put in place a 21st century water treatment system. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the comment following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Report for 2014.
Govt Accused Of Putting Lives At Risk With Water Treatment System
The government has been accused of putting lives at risk with its "failure" to put in place a 21st century water treatment system. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the comment following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Report for 2014.
15 February 2010
The Cope Defends 'One Off Housing'
European Parliamentarian Pat the Cope Gallagher has called comments from the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) "reckless diatribe and unfounded myths".
The Cope Defends 'One Off Housing'
European Parliamentarian Pat the Cope Gallagher has called comments from the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) "reckless diatribe and unfounded myths".
16 May 2008
'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes
The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.
'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes
The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.
22 July 2015
Many Irish Teens Unable To Identify Depression - Research
Many Irish teenagers are unable to identify signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, according to new research conducted by psychologists at Trinity College Dublin.
Many Irish Teens Unable To Identify Depression - Research
Many Irish teenagers are unable to identify signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, according to new research conducted by psychologists at Trinity College Dublin.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Very windy with persistent and occasionally heavy rain at first, becoming drier with the wind easing towards midday. Mainly dry with bright spells increasing during the afternoon. Milder than of late. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.