Pineapple stems

First it was curry now it's pineapple stems. Something called bromelain is found in the extract of pineapple stems and researchers are finding that a few of the key molecules in it can both block and fight cancer cells. Bromelain is also used to clarify beer and tenderize meat. So if you aren't big on eating pineapple stems maybe you can get the same effect from beer and meat. For some reason I doubt it. The article is from the BBC News.

Excerpts:

Two molecules isolated from an extract of crushed pineapple stems have shown promise in fighting cancer growth. One molecule called CCS blocks a protein called Ras, which is defective in approximately 30% of all cancers.

The other, called CCZ, stimulates the body's own immune system to target and kill cancer cells.

It is hoped the research, carried out by Queensland Institute of Medical Research, could lead to new anti-cancer drugs.

The Queensland team discovered that the extract also had pharmacological properties and could activate specific immune cells while, simultaneously, blocking the immune function of other cells.

Dr Julie Sharp, at Cancer Research UK, said: "The origin of many anti-cancer drugs can be found in nature.

"However, it's early days for this research and the real test will be to see if the effects seen in the lab can be reproduced successfully in patients."

Renewed Hope

Update on Torres family in USA Today.

Excerpts:

A brain-dead pregnant woman on life support has reached the milestone in her pregnancy where doctors believe the baby could realistically survive outside the womb, giving her family renewed hope about the devastating ordeal.

Susan Torres, 26, lost consciousness from a stroke May 7 after aggressive melanoma spread to her brain. Her husband, Jason Torres, said doctors told him his wife's brain functions had stopped.

Her fetus recently passed the 24th week of development — the earliest point at which doctors felt the baby would have a reasonable chance to survive, her brother-in-law said.

"The situation is pretty stable," said Justin Torres, who is serving as the family's spokesman. "Susan, we have said from the beginning, is the toughest person in that ICU room."

He said the family is "as certain within the limits of sonogram technology" that the baby is a girl. "Cecilia" was one possible name the couple had discussed, Justin Torres said.

Update on Anne Dinnell

Anne Dinnell was diagnosed with an advanced case of melanoma last summer. After her surgery she decided to not have chemotherapy and instead went on an all organic diet. She was anxiously awaiting a PET scan in June and the good news is that she had her test and she still appears to be cancer-free.

Excerpts from the Santa Cruz Sentinel:

Dinnell’s unusual melanoma case began last summer when a mysterious spot under one of her fingernails first made her suspicious.

Surgeons eventually amputated part of Dinnell’s finger and removed cancerous tissue from her neck, underarm and hip.

Doctors predicted that with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, their patient would live five years. Dinnell decided to try a different approach.

Gerson Therapy prescribes specific organic foods taken in carefully prescribed ways, and a series of coffee enemas which, according to the program’s proponents, detoxify the body.

Dinnell says that after getting the results of last week’s PET scan, her oncologist told her to "keep doing what you’re doing, whatever it is."