Peter Copis (Pembroke,Ontario), 5 months ago

Regarding 'Stem cells' brave new world' by Marilyn Linton, August 30/11 health article: I found the information in this article to be promising towards the possibilities of actually curing different types of cancers. I have just one comment regarding the Lisa Ray connection to Multiple Myeloma. I get the impression from the article that with her stem cell transplant she has been cured of this blood plasma cancer. I would have to add, at least for now. I too have had the exact same treatment described in the article and am going on two years without relapse. To be clear and according to my hematologists in the case of Multiple Myeloma, this is not a curable cancer at this time, but it is treatable and after relapse, more and different kinds of treatment are available. For those of us who qualified for stem cell transplant with successful results, I am grateful, but at this point in time, it is not a cure for Multiple Myeloma, it is a treatment, and we will relapse. My hopes are as with all of these cancers that are under attack by the medical world, whether it be through stem cell, gene, virus research or other, an actual cure is found. I am looking forward to that day. Furthermore, I respect Lisa Ray and other high profile people who are affected by Multiple Myeloma as well as the local support groups for their efforts to expose this rare cancer and to continue to advocate on our behalf.

Sincerely
Peter Copis