From the journal of Angiogenesis Research (Sept 2009):
Editorial:
"The concept of tumor angiogenesis and therapy was proposed by Dr. Judah Folkman, who published the first and probably one of the most cited articles in 1971 [1]. In that article, Folkman showed and discussed early evidence that solid tumors could not grow beyond several millmeteres in diameter without blood vessels and they might be held at the nonvascularized dormant state. He proposed that tumors produce soluble factors to stimulate vessel growth and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis might be a novel approach for cancer therapy. While these hypothesis sounds logical and reasonable now, Folkman experienced unusually unsympathetic criticisms from his colleagues at that time. It took him nearly 30 years to convince the scientific community that his hypothesis was the correct one. We are all very grateful for Dr. Folkmanm's persistence, which has opened one of the most exciting and fast-expanding research areas in biomedical research. Today, millions of patients suffering from cancer and non-malignant diseases receive anti-angiogenic therapy. For those who work in this field, we are extremely fortunate to see Dr. Folkman's extraordinary achievements that have changed not only our lives but millions of patients."
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
This editorial surrounding the abstract reminds me of a wonderful quote by Albert Einstein, he stated: "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." I'm extremely grateful to Dr. Judhah Folkman for the wonderful gifts that impacted the New World of Cancer. His work helped to save my life and millions of others. During my illness, (liver sarcoma) I was put on two targeted chemotherapies that helped to stave off my tumors. The first was called Avastin which I was on for 2 1/2 years. Even though there can be significant side effects, I was spared most of them. This drug benefited me by keeping my tumors stable for a long time. The second drug was called Sutent, a drug primarily used for kidney cancer. I was in clinical trials for two years at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center (NYC) while on this chemo. Again it did a great job keeping my liver stable until the liver transplant at the Cleveland Clinic early this year.
There are also a number of natural phytochemicals with anti-angiogenesis properties that I will be discussing. Combining a strict anti-cancer diet, along with conventional medicine, can go a long way towards prolonging a person's survival time. Keep saying to yourself, "It's possible, there is a way through this, I will never give up."
Reference
1 Folkman J: Tumor angoigenesis: therapeutic implications. N Engl J Med 1971, 285:1182-6. PubMed Abstract
© Mark Roby 2010
