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10/01/2003
vCJD teenager begins controversial new treatment
A teenager from Northern Ireland who is suffering from vCJD has started to receive a controversial new treatment which may slow progress of the disease.
Jonathan Simms, 18, from Belfast, and another patient, who cannot be named for legal reasons, where taken by their families to an NHS trust to get the treatment approved.
While the location of the hospital, and the names of the surgical team involved, cannot be named, it is believed that both patients have begun to receive their initial procedures which involve being given repeated infusions of the drug pentosan polysulphate directly into the brain.
In the simple procedure, a tube has been inserted into his brain so that the first infusion can be given. It is then hoped that a total of 12 infusions, with gradually increasing doses, can be given.
While, opponents of the treatment have expressed worry at the development due to the fact that it has only received limited testing in animals, it is likely to be some time before the impact of the treatment can be fully assessed.
More than 100 people in the UK are known to have died from the variant form of CJD so far, with a handful now known to be living with the devastating effects of the illness.
(MB)
Jonathan Simms, 18, from Belfast, and another patient, who cannot be named for legal reasons, where taken by their families to an NHS trust to get the treatment approved.
While the location of the hospital, and the names of the surgical team involved, cannot be named, it is believed that both patients have begun to receive their initial procedures which involve being given repeated infusions of the drug pentosan polysulphate directly into the brain.
In the simple procedure, a tube has been inserted into his brain so that the first infusion can be given. It is then hoped that a total of 12 infusions, with gradually increasing doses, can be given.
While, opponents of the treatment have expressed worry at the development due to the fact that it has only received limited testing in animals, it is likely to be some time before the impact of the treatment can be fully assessed.
More than 100 people in the UK are known to have died from the variant form of CJD so far, with a handful now known to be living with the devastating effects of the illness.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
