Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment.

John Bruton

Question:

572 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the treatment of cancer by molecular oncology, which helps control cell growth in order to combat cancer, is being developed for use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1556/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

Molecular oncology is the study of molecular, biological — enzymes, genetic and immune — abnormalities found in association with cancer. Studies of these are useful to determine cause as well as diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

In Ireland, studies are being carried out using enzyme abnormalities and their inhibitors in colon cancer — St. Vincent's Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital — and genetic changes in bowel and breast cancer — Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, University College Dublin and University College Hospital Galway. Other studies include research into immune changes with a view to treating eye tumours — Trinity College Dublin — and research into gastrointestinal tumours — Cork University Hospital. Specific immune changes have been discovered in relation to lung cancer at the Mater Hospital and have been investigated for use in treatment.

A number of units in Dublin are working on the genetic molecular aspects of cancer in association with the national genetics centre in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin. Most of these projects are supported by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. As a result of these studies, fundamental changes are being translated to the clinical field for the benefit of cancer patients.