Global Study Seeks to Unravel Secrets of 'Super Survivors' in Cancer Treatment

GBUnited Kingdom|

Doctors have launched the first global study aimed at understanding why certain cancer patients, dubbed 'super survivors', manage to excel in their recovery despite severe diagnoses. Named the Rosalind study, this initiative will compile data from large groups of these extraordinary patients.

Led by Dr. Thankamma Ajithkumar at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, the study seeks to examine patients with aggressive cancer types, including extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, where only 3% to 5% of patients survive beyond five years following diagnosis.

Historically, survival disparities were often attributed to luck or chance, but Dr. Ajithkumar emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation to uncover reliable predictors of longevity. "We will have a much larger database to say more confidently that this is what is making you live longer," he stated.

Among those participating in the study is Katherine Webster, a stage four glioblastoma survivor who defied her prognosis after surgery and intensive treatment. "I never believed I was going to die," she reflected, highlighting the significance of a positive mindset throughout her battle.

The research will involve examination of biological data from more than 1,000 patients across over 40 countries, including contributions from eight UK cancer centers. Researchers aim not only to satisfy curiosity about survival mechanisms but also to potentially identify new drug targets for cancer treatment.

Co-founder of Cure51, the biotech startup overseeing the project, Nicolas Wolikow, expressed an ambitious goal: to "kill cancer" within 20 years by replicating the biological mechanisms seen in super survivors for broader patient populations.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United Kingdom

Fatal Explosion at Cannabis Lab Claims Child's Life in Newcastle

A tragic explosion at a cannabis production lab in Newcastle has resulted in the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man. The incident, which occurred on October 16, 2024, at a flat on Violet Close, led to Reece Galbraith, 33, being sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter and drug-related offenses, according to The Metro. The explosion happened during the manufacturing of cannabis concentrates using highly flammable butane gas, destroying six homes and injuring six other residents. Archie York was asleep in his flat above the lab at the time of the blast and was killed alongside Jason Laws. The boy's mother, Katherine Errington, described him as "cheeky, kind, and full of life," expressing her anguish over Galbraith's reckless actions. The investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith emphasized the grave dangers of illicit drug manufacturing, urging the public to report suspicious activities to prevent such tragedies. Over 140 residents had to evacuate, with many still displaced as recovery efforts continue.
GBUnited Kingdom

UK Woman Reveals Years of Abuse by Ex-Husband in Chilling Confession

A woman in the United Kingdom, identified as "Kate" by the BBC, has accused her ex-husband of drugging and raping her for years while she was unconscious. In a shocking revelation aired on the BBC's investigative program File on 4, Kate shared that her husband confessed to the abuse in a disturbingly casual manner, stating, "I have been raping you. I've been sedating you and taking photographs of you for years." According to Kate, the assaults occurred while she was sedated with sleeping medication mixed into her tea. After a panic attack led her to disclose the abuse to her sister, her mother contacted the police. Initially, Kate withdrew the charges, concerned for her children, but later chose to pursue justice. Following a formal investigation, her husband was convicted of multiple sexual offenses, including rape, and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Kate has since been diagnosed with PTSD and a neurological disorder, emphasizing the psychological manipulation she endured throughout their marriage. This case has drawn parallels to a similar high-profile trial in France, highlighting the often-hidden nature of such abuses.
GBUnited Kingdom

The Global Landscape: Signs of a New World Order Amid Rising Conflicts

Tensions are escalating worldwide, with experts suggesting that the conditions for a new global conflict may already be in motion. Fiona Hill, a policy analyst for the UK government, asserted that a third world war has begun, reflecting a deteriorating geopolitical landscape marked by state-sponsored violence and an erosion of established international norms. Former Labour Foreign Secretary David Miliband echoed these concerns, noting a significant shift in global dynamics reminiscent of the Cold War's end. He highlighted the United States' declining role as a stabilizing force, marking a departure from the world order established post-World War II. This sentiment was further underscored by France's President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that the West cannot remain silent on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while condemning similar actions globally, such as those in Ukraine. As conflicts rage from Kashmir to Gaza, the absence of decisive U.S. leadership has raised alarms among European officials, who are now advocating for autonomous strategies to address emerging threats. The deteriorating international situation underscores a pivotal moment in global affairs, with implications that could redefine alliances and power structures in the years to come.
GBUnited Kingdom
All United Kingdom News ->