In Cuba, as in the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Decades of economic and political isolation have starved the country of medical resources, leading Cuba’s biomedical researchers to get creative and invent their own immunotherapies. Among them are very promising lung cancer vaccines that can help jumpstart the body’s immune response to cancer. Some U.S. patients are even defying their country’s trade embargo to travel to Cuba for treatment.
This program explores the fascinating history of Cuban biomedical research and follows the journey of two cancer patients, one from the island and one from the U.S., receiving the new vaccines. As they prove effective in some patients, Cuban scientists are teaming up with a leading U.S. cancer institute to develop an even more effective treatment by combining the best of both countries’ research and medical technologies.
My Thoughts
Cancer is a leading cause of death all over the world, but in Cuba it has become an even bigger problem. Lung cancer especially has been extremely brutal for the citizens. Because they have been put off from other countries for so long due to political isolation, they haven't had access to the same treatments widely available in countries like the USA. This documentary follows the journey of two different cancer patients. One is from Cuba and one is from the United States. Both are trying a new vaccine designed to improve the body's immune response to cancer. In addition, you learn if the countries can overcome their differences to help treat their patients.
This was a fascinating DVD to watch and will help give us hope that a cure for cancer is somewhere on the horizon and that Cuba can get the help that is available now. If you want to grab a copy of this amazing DVD for your library, you can find them in stores nationwide, at PBS.org, or on Amazon.
0 comments:
Post a Comment