The problem of growing human cancer cell lines for drug testing, so that they behave like patients inside the patient, is one of the major obstacles to improving the fight against the disease.
Pharmaceutical companies have started to grow human tumors on mice in an attempt to answer this question. The problem is that mice aren’t human so they can be grown in laboratory conditions. tests often lead to dead ends. Although it is possible to grow cancer cells in petri dishes they are not as effective as actual cancer.
A company called “The Company” is solving this problem. Precision Therapeutics Inc(NASDAQ:AIPT), formerly Skyline Medical Inc. (NASDAQ:SKLN), as well as its partner. Helomics.
Through a subsidiary called TumorGenesis Precision Therapeutics and Helomics are pioneering a method that uses cancer cells taken from patients to analyze the tumors’ genes, proteins, and genetics. It is important because this information guides the selections of nutrients and other substances for the cells. The last step is to place the cancer cells on a scaffold that has been soaked in the nutrient rich media.
The result: “For the first time, it will be possible to grow tumors outside the body that closely mimic those in the body,”Dr. Carl Schwartz, CEO at Precision Therapeutics, explains.
This will lead to major benefits in cancer treatment and drug discovery. There are many types of cancer, with each having its own underlying DNA mutations.
Drugs that work for one person’s ovarian tumor may fail to work for another. However, doctors can now grow cancer cells outside the patient’s body and test drug combinations before they treat the patient. This will save patients from side effects that can be debilitating.
Importantly, drug companies will have a better and cheaper way to test potential drug candidates than testing mice. It is yet another step towards personalized cancer treatments that will improve the survival rate of all patients.
Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.
It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.
According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% of those surveyed have less than $1,000 to cover out-of pocket expenses. Additionally, rising healthcare costs are forcing employers into cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.
* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.
* Increasing employees’ share of premium.
* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.
Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.
In the past, fast payment policies were a luxury. It’s a necessity. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.
Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.
