| 1. What is the C.
Douglas McFadyen Memorial Fund?
The C. Douglas McFadyen Memorial Fund was established in
2000 to assist in underwriting an immunological approach to
cancer treatment, also known as Biological Therapy. The first
recipient of funds was Dr. Michael Morse at Duke University's
Department of Medicine to assist his research team in publishing
a paper entitled 'Surrogate markers of response to cancer
immunotherapy.' It was published by Ashley Publications in
2001, Vol 2: 153-158.
This article puts forth the case for 'developing intermediate
markers to help prioritize which agents to test in prospective
randomized Phase III trials.' Evidently there is growing enthusiasm
to this approach which seeks to actively stimulate antitumor
immune responses.
2. Why is Biological Therapy the focus of the
Fund?
Of the various treatments that C. Douglas McFadyen researched
and received in response to his own diagnosis of cancer, the
one that he felt was most promising is an immunological approach.
Although too far along in his own disease process for this
approach to be a cure, he still believed that this form of
cancer therapy should be encouraged and was, by far, less
traumatic for the patient to undergo than many of the chemotherapy
and radiation treatments presently offered.
3. What is an immunological approach to cancer
treatment?
As medical researchers have turned their attention to studying
the immune system, there has been a growing interest in stimulating
this defense system of the body for purposes of both prevention
and cure for cancer in its variety of forms. This has been
combined with cutting edge research in cell biology so that
a form of inoculation can be given to patients that specifically
targets their form of cancer yet is also compatible with their
own biology. In simple terms, the body's ability to fight
off the cancer and any resulting tumors is aided by having
antitumor agents injected in the blood system which were specifically
designed for that type of cancer.
3. Where can I find out more about this approach
to cancer treatment?
The Duke University Department of Clinical Research in Oncology is
seeking to bring novel therapies to clinical trial. Their website is rich
with information. - click
here to review it now.
For more information about research being conducted by Dr. Michael Morse
-
click here to go there now.
To
contact Dr. Michael A. Morse please see the website page for
Duke University faculty by clicking here.
4. How can I get involved in supporting this
research?
If you wish to make a direct contribution to the C. Douglas
McFadyen Memorial Fund, please contact Barbara McFadyen at
the information shown below.
Eight Gates Music raises money to support this research in
several ways: CD sales, classical Indian music concerts, and
workshops on Nada Yoga. More information about our CDs can
be found on the 'Catalog' page
on this website. More information about concerts and workshops
can be found on the 'Events' page. |
