Promising Prospect

A short, tentative step toward the control of one kind of cancer was announced this week by Dr. Hugh J. Creech of Philadelphia's Institute for Cancer Research. The variety of cancer: sarcoma, a deadly form which involves the body's connective tissues. The medication: Polysaccharides (multiple sugars) produced by bacteria.

The work has taken several years because these polysaccharides normally have harmful effects on the patient. Also, after the first injection, the patient develops an immunity to them. Dr. Creech has gone far toward overcoming both difficulties. By treating the patient in advance (with injections rich in antibodies), he can safely give 50 times the normal dose, and later doses remain effective.

More than 130 far-advanced cancer victims have been treated. None is considered cured, but all (especially those with sarcoma) seemed somewhat better and 20% to 30% showed marked improvement. When treatment began, a few patients had been given only a few months to live. Four years later, they are living "comfortable and productive lives."

Says Dr. Creech cautiously: "This is far from a cure for human cancer." But, he adds, the method is so promising that he is willing to work oh it, if necessary, for the next ten years.

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