Scientists are exploring a milk protein complex that effectively kills cancer cells and prevents tumour growth — especially in colon cancer.

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer — 180,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the US alone — and a leading cause of death worldwide. Patients with colon cancer are usually treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence — but recurrence rates are high, and the side effects of chemotherapy are often severe.

Potential non-toxic treatment for colon cancer

The scientists at Lund University are currently investigating the discovery of a non-toxic treatment approach for colon cancer using a milk protein complex that effectively kills cancer cells. The complex has shown strong effects on tumour tissue growth, especially for colon cancer.

We introduced the complex in the drinking water of mice that were genetically susceptible to developing intestinal tumours.

Promising way of delaying tumour development

“We introduced the complex in the drinking water of mice that were genetically susceptible to developing intestinal tumours,” explains Hien Tran, Scientist at Lund University. “The results were exciting because tumour development was markedly reduced and the long-term survival was increased in these mice.”

In mice that had already developed cancer, the team found that the complex targeted the tumour rather than healthy intestinal tissue. What’s more, it did not cause side effects in mice with cancer or in healthy mice that received the complex in their drinking water — an extremely promising development.

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing danger — one that is made worse by the constant over-prescribing and misuse of antibiotics. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared AMR to be one of the ‘biggest threats to global health, food security and development today’ and has highlighted the need to combat it with novel solutions.

Immunotherapy can successfully treat urinary tract infections in mice. If the same results are found in humans, it could be useful in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Exploring immunotherapy for bacterial infections

Sweden-based Hamlet BioPharma is investigating alternative ways of treating bacterial infections by strengthening an individual’s antibacterial defence with immunotherapy, thus bypassing the need for antibiotic use.

Take urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are among the most prevalent infectious diseases globally and include acute cystitis, which affects around 50% of all women during their lifetime. Hamlet has now identified that the registered drug anakinra (IL1-RA) is an effective treatment for acute cystitis in mice — and hopes that it will also prove efficacious in humans.

Immunotherapy can successfully
treat urinary tract infections in mice.

Hoping for success in an ongoing human trial

“We have used this treatment in mice with urinary tract infections and know that it works,” says Ines Ambite. “The inflammatory response to infection of the mice’s IL-1 gene was controlled by the IL-1RA drug, which also increased bacterial clearance from their bladders and kidneys.” Immunotherapy was also effective against infections in mice caused by antibiotic-sensitive or antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

The results show that these types of infections can be treated with therapies other than antibiotics — an important conceptual advance and one that could be of huge importance in the fight against AMR. “A trial is now ongoing to test the efficacy of IL1-RA in humans with urinary tract infections,” notes Martin Erixon, CEO of Hamlet BioPharma. “The results should be known later this year.”

Using state-of-the-art techniques to analyse treatment effects

“As a company collaborating with the university, we gain access to sophisticated, state-of-the-art techniques to analyse various treatment effects and draw conclusions,” says Martin Erixon, CEO of Hamlet BioPharma. Collaboration with the scientists at Lund University is essential for the successful development of the project.”

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The exaggerated pain response in this patient group is very difficult to treat. New approaches are therefore essential.

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), otherwise known as interstitial cystitis, is a chronic and socially debilitating long-term bladder condition, for which specific therapies remain unavailable.

Managing bladder pain syndrome effects

Symptoms of BPS may come and go, but patients can experience intense pelvic pain, a sudden urge to urinate and/or more frequent urination.

“In some cases, the pain is so bad that patients have trouble sleeping or keeping a job,” says Björn Wullt, Senior Urologist. Managing the pain with broadly used painkillers is often ineffective, but patients may be helped by morphine or — in severe circumstances — surgery.

A drug developed to inhibit excessive immune responses is being tested on patients with bladder pain syndrome, a chronic and debilitating condition in a phase II clinical trial. The results have been promising so far.

A significant proportion of patients
responded positively to the treatment.

Björn Wullt, MD, PhD

Immunomodulation treatment with promising results

The company is now conducting a controlled clinical trial with a drug called anakinra (IL-1RA), which neutralises the biological activity of potent pro-inflammatory molecules. “IL-1RA is a registered drug, commonly used to treat hyper-inflammatory diseases,” explains Ines Ambite, Scientist at Lund University and Hamlet BioPharma. “But no one had used it in patients with bladder pain before.”

The results of the trial have been positive. “A significant proportion of patients responded positively to the treatment,” notes Wullt. “Their pain was reduced and their quality of life increased.” Hamlet BioPharma has patented the use of anakinra for bladder pain.

This type of immunomodulation treatment works by blocking inflammation and pain. “We are now proceeding with a placebo-controlled phase II study,” reveals Wullt. “The preliminary results also look positive. We hope this therapy will offer real hope to patients with this debilitating pain disorder.”

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A promising drug candidate has positive clinical effects in patients with bladder cancer. The number of tumours and tumour sizes were reduced in a majority of patients treated — and without severe side effects often associated with other treatments.

Bladder cancer is a disease which has a high likelihood of returning after treatment. Indeed, after the removal of the first tumour, cancer has been found to recur in 80% of these patients — and 15% go on to develop muscle-invasive disease. So, there’s an urgent need for safe and effective new treatments that could stop disease progression and prevent recurrences.

Drug candidate reduces bladder cancer tumour size

Now, a breakthrough may be on the horizon because Swedish-based pharmaceutical company Hamlet BioPharma has announced promising new data from a clinical trial of its drug candidate for the treatment of early non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, Alpha1H. Alpha1H is a synthetic drug candidate developed from HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells), originally discovered in human breast milk.

Combined data analysis from treated patients showed that higher doses of Alpha1H significantly reduced the size of 82% of tumours while lower doses significantly reduced the size of 45% of tumours, compared to a placebo group. Among other benefits, it’s hoped that the therapy could improve the treatment of early tumours and possibly reduce the risk of tumour regrowth post-surgery, paving the way for less invasive surgical interventions.

Alpha1H kills tumour cells with great precision
and is straightforward to produce in large amounts.

Catharina Svanborg

Way to treat patients without severe side effects

“Alpha1H kills tumour cells with great precision and is straightforward to produce in large amounts,” says Catharina Svanborg, Chairman of the Board at Hamlet BioPharma. “What’s more, our studies show there is limited toxicity associated with its administration, so patients can be treated without experiencing the severe side effects associated with chemotherapy.” The biopharmaceutical company is now working towards a phase III clinical trial.

Fast-tracking drug candidate approval

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for Alpha1H, accelerating its approval process and potential to reach the US market and opening up dialogue with potential commercial partners. “Fast Track Designation is an exciting development,” says Jakob Testad, Chief Financial Officer at Hamlet BioPharma. “It demonstrates the promise of Alpha1H and underlines how vital it is to address bladder cancer and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from this disease.”

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Discover the science behind a reliable and comprehensive microbiome test. Find out how 16S rRNA sequencing enables in-depth insights and why it’s trusted by researchers.

The Chuckling Goat microbiome test uses 16S rRNA sequencing, which stands out as the preferred method for investigating the gut microbiome. The 16S rRNA sequencing method is widely recognised for its accuracy and efficiency in microbial analysis. By focusing on the 16S rRNA gene, this technique offers in-depth insights into bacterial identification and classification.

16S rRNA empowering bacterial identification

Modern sequencing technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have empowered the versatility of bacterial identification. These advancements enable swift and cost-effective processing of multiple samples simultaneously, allowing for the discernment of a broad spectrum of bacterial taxa.

The strength of 16S rRNA sequencing further stems from its reliance on extensive public databases such as SILVA, Greengenes and the Ribosomal Database Project (RDP), which enhance the method’s credibility. Leveraging these repositories allows scientists and researchers to compare and classify their sequences accurately, drawing upon the collective wisdom of the scientific community in the area of microbiome research.

This standardisation ensures consistent
and comparable results across
different studies and laboratories.

Standardised protocols enhance robustness

Moreover, the method’s robustness is reinforced by its well-established protocols and continually refined bioinformatics tools. This standardisation ensures consistent and comparable results across different studies and laboratories, which is a critical factor in advancing our comprehension of the gut microbiome and its crucial role in both health and disease.

At Cambridge Genomic Services, affiliated with the University of Cambridge, cutting-edge genomics and 16S rRNA sequencing technologies are complemented by comprehensive computational and bioinformatic support. This integrated approach streamlines data analysis and interpretation, further facilitating the exploration and understanding of gut microbial communities.

Precise and database-compatible

In essence, 16S rRNA sequencing emerges as the optimal choice for deciphering gut microbiome composition due to its affordability, precise gene targeting, compatibility with modern technologies, utilisation of extensive databases and adherence to standardised protocols. These attributes collectively render it a robust and reliable method for studying the diverse bacterial ecosystems within the gut.

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Use a microbiome test to identify any bacterial biofilms that may be hiding in your gut. Uncover 14 pathogens linked to chronic infections, inflammation and autoimmune disease.

If you’ve ever had food poisoning, a UTI, a dental or skin infection or a hospital-acquired infection, bacteria may have migrated into your gut and formed a ‘biofilm.’ Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and produce a protective matrix, making the bacteria within them highly resistant to antibiotics and other treatments.

Persistent gut biofilm risks

Bacterial biofilms can persist in the gut for years, even decades, and are challenging to eradicate. Biofilm inside the gut can lead to chronic, low-grade infections that provoke ongoing immune responses, causing inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for autoimmune conditions. The persistent presence of pathogenic bacteria in biofilms can disrupt the gut microbiome, impair digestion and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.

Home microbiome test identifies pathogens

Chuckling Goat, in collaboration with Cambridge Genomics at the University of Cambridge, has launched a home microbiome testing kit that tests for 14 separate gut biofilm-forming pathogens, including Enterococcus, Eggerthella, Fusobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Vibrio, Enterobacter, Clostridoides, Salmonella, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Citrobacter. 

Identifying and resolving these gut pathogens can improve overall microbiome health, benefiting the following systems:

• Digestive system: aids digestion and nutrient absorption; protects against gastrointestinal diseases
• Immune system: regulates and trains immune responses, reducing allergies and autoimmune diseases
• Metabolic system: influences metabolism, impacting obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Nervous system: affects mental health through the gut-brain axis, influencing mood and cognitive function
• Respiratory system: defends against infections, impacting asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Skin: maintains skin health, affecting conditions like acne and eczema
• Reproductive system: supports reproductive health and prevents infections

The persistent presence of pathogenic bacteria
in biofilms can disrupt the gut microbiome.

Comprehensive microbiome test with consultation

The Chuckling Goat Microbiome Test also examines 86 biomarkers and assessment scores across the following areas: diversity, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, mental wellness and systemic wellness. It uses the gold-standard 16s RNA technology. 

Test results are accompanied by a 30-minute consultation with a trained nutritional therapist. They will create a bespoke Personal Action Plan to improve gut health and resolve issues that surface from the test.

Experts advancing microbiome health

Chuckling Goat works with a distinguished Scientific Advisory Board consisting of an interdisciplinary mix of NHS doctors, university professors, oncologists, pharmacists and biochemists. The entire team is committed to advancing knowledge about the human microbiome and its numerous effects on health. 

The post How a home microbiome test can pinpoint pathogens for optimal health appeared first on Health Awareness.

My incontinence journey started 38 years ago. I got diarrhoea occasionally, possibly because of a traumatic delivery giving birth. After several referrals, I received life-changing sacral nerve stimulation treatment.

Seven years ago, after a hysterectomy, I had adhesions, and I started to suffer faecal incontinence. Some days, I couldn’t even hold on for the 10-minute drive to work.

Daily life with faecal incontinence

Normal daily activities like shopping and walking caused me to have problems, and I would poo myself so badly that it would seep out of the side of my underwear. I would carry a bag with wet wipes and spare clothing, just in case. 

I’m a runner, and I love running, but this became increasingly difficult as accidents happened more often without any warning. I found it devastating.

The whole thing has been an amazing
success and has been life-changing.

Diagnosis journey with multiple referrals

The final straw came on holiday. Walking back to the hotel after a meal, it happened, and it was everywhere. I had no control. Back at the hotel, I felt broken. After that, I bought several pairs of special pants with charcoal lining and incontinence pull-ups to reduce the risk of leaking through my clothing.

My doctor referred me to bowel consultants, a gastroenterologist and a nutritionist. I had X-rays, colonoscopies, endoscopies and other tests. I felt abandoned when the doctors told me I didn’t have cancer and required no further action. I still had the same problems but nowhere to go.

Sacral nerve stimulation implant

By chance, at my local park run, I met a woman who had experienced similar problems. She underwent a new treatment called a sacral nerve stimulation by Mr Michael Powar, a Consultant Surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. After almost three years, I was referred to him.

I was so happy when he said he could help me, but I was also anxious about the procedure. Following a successful two-week trial, I was fitted with a permanent device. The whole thing has been an amazing success and has been life-changing.

I feel frustrated that it took so long to get the help I needed, but I hope others can be helped sooner by raising awareness.

The post Finding freedom from faecal incontinence through innovative implant appeared first on Health Awareness.

Various treatments are available for urinary incontinence. If you have symptoms, don’t put off seeing your GP because treatment could make a big difference to your quality of life.

According to NHS England, approximately 14 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence — a condition linked with a reduced quality of life and mental health issues.

Avoid putting off incontinence treatment

There are certain misconceptions about incontinence. For instance, there’s a mistaken belief that it’s an inevitable part of ageing. Plus, some think it’s untreatable. So, they just learn to live with it; but that’s not right, insists Chris Harding, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Urology at Newcastle University.

“Anyone experiencing regular urinary leakage needs to know it’s not normal, no matter how old they are,” he says. “They must also understand that good, effective treatments are available — and largely very successful, so people should never suffer in silence.”

The problem is that men, in particular, may be so embarrassed by symptoms that they put off seeing their GP. “I understand that because incontinence is thought of as a ‘taboo’ subject,” says Professor Harding. “We have to break that taboo because some people will leave it five, 10 or 20 years before seeking help. In many cases, a simple treatment can be offered that will drastically improve their quality of life.”

DON’T put up with incontinence.
See your GP.”

Simple interventions can make a significant difference

There are different reasons why symptoms appear. “If the bladder is overactive, the bladder muscle contracts when you don’t want it to, resulting in the expulsion of urine,” explains Professor Harding. “Incontinence can also occur if there is weakness in the sphincter muscle and pelvic floor.”

Simple interventions can make a difference. For instance, patients experiencing incontinence at night (particularly those with an overactive bladder) are advised to reduce caffeine and evening fluid intake. In other cases, pelvic floor exercises may prove beneficial.

Shared decision-making and seeking help

Medications are available, too, and — in severe instances — surgical procedures are an option. “I’m an advocate for shared decision-making,” says Professor Harding. “Health practitioners should explain the range of treatments available and work with the patient to decide which one will be the best fit.”

Certainly, we need more open conversations about incontinence. “That’s why we support initiatives such as World Continence Week,” says Professor Harding. “We want patients to know that medical practitioners have clear treatment guidelines for incontinence and that there is exciting research in this field. This will further improve treatment options and lead to better patient care, but we can only help people if we know they have a problem in the first place. So, DON’T put up with incontinence. See your GP.”

The post How incontinence treatment options can improve lives of patients at any age appeared first on Health Awareness.

Improved prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment have tripled survivor rates since the 1970s. However, treatments may affect sexual and urinary health, so aftercare options are crucial for quality of life.

The two main choices to treat organ-confined prostate cancer are surgery and radiotherapy. Patients often select their treatment based on side effects and the treatment’s impact on their quality of life.

Side effects of prostate cancer treatments

Modern-day treatments are excellent at successfully treating prostate cancer, but they come with well-documented consequences, including sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage. One of the largest surveys in the UK on ‘Life after Prostate Cancer Diagnosis’ found 81% of men to have poor or very poor sexual function.

Moreover, 54.5% of men still had some degree of problematic urinary function 18–24 months after treatment. The negative effect of these on quality of life can lead to treatment regret, and they impact patients’ confidence in social situations and relationships.

Prostate cancer treatment aftercare

There are a multitude of options to treat both sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage. The earlier intervention is started, the less the impact on quality of life. Treatments are multifaceted and include psychotherapy, physiotherapy, medications and surgery and can improve physical and mental wellbeing.  

There are a multitude of options to treat both
sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage.

Increasing awareness of survivorship experience

Prostate cancer awareness has increased. Significant focus has been on improving the diagnosis and initial treatment. However, given the importance of side effects on treatment decisions and quality of life, aftercare should not be an afterthought.

Patients should be provided with a realistic roadmap for life after cancer treatment from the first diagnosis, empowering them to take ownership of their survivorship experience. Specialist experts in sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage offer proactive, timely and specific management.

Enhanced patient monitoring post-surgery

With the work of Consultant Urological Surgeon Majed Shabbir and Arun Sahai, alongside Research Fellow Findlay MacAskill at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Urology Centre, our understanding of patient needs following radical prostatectomy have shifted. We have improved education and communication, adopting a proactive approach to managing treatment impact holistically. Patients now see specialists in sexual dysfunction and bladder problems at every visit following surgery.

The post Why prostate cancer aftercare should not be an afterthought appeared first on Health Awareness.

A campaign is underway for equal access to hygiene and waste disposal in men’s toilets, especially for those with bladder and bowel incontinence conditions.

As Chair of the Association for Continence Professionals (ACP), I am delighted that following a recent relaunch, with a new name and logo, we are proud to announce our new Patron is Sir Robert Francis. He is well-known for shining a light on the need for health improvement and addressing health inequalities. Sir Francis is particularly interested in striving for excellence in bladder and bowel healthcare.

Male continence campaign for waste disposal access

A huge campaign is underway to lobby for change to ensure equal access to waste disposal in all toilets. ACP supports the ‘Boys Need Bins’ campaign by Prostate Cancer UK which, alongside the All Party Parliamentary Group for Continence Care, has passionately led widespread communication to encourage public buildings to ensure waste bins are available in all toilets.

Recent workplace surveys show that 73% of respondents stated that they didn’t have access to hygiene in men’s toilets. I am delighted that my NHS organisation are keen to address this inequality and is working to pioneer change to ensure male staff and visitors to our buildings have access to sanitary disposal.

Men who wear a pad, pouch, catheter
or stoma bag need practical support.

Adopting hygiene and waste disposal initiative

The University Hospital of Morecambe Bay has started to implement this. We are not alone; let us also shine a light on University Hospitals of Leicester and South Tees NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust for not only getting ahead of the curve but sharing their ideas and inspiring other NHS organisations to adopt this change. 

Join us; let’s make this a national conversation, recognising that men who wear a pad, pouch, catheter or stoma bag need practical support. It is not acceptable that they continue to carry their soiled sanitary waste or are expected to use a disabled toilet when they don’t consider themselvesto be disabled.

ACP supports the key recommendation for new legislation, and we urge the public to get involved. Let’s create a better world fostering positive wellbeing and continence dignity for all.

The post Why boys need bins: how to ensure hygiene access in all toilets appeared first on Health Awareness.