HOPE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER

An attempt has been made to fast-track how cancers are detected and treated, especially in children, in TT.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh yesterday revealed that through a collaboration with the Royal Bank of Canada, this country now has at its disposal a flow cytomer, which is expected to significantly advance how cancers are detected in 2019.

"Currently, we have to send blood samples abroad. But we will be able to have those samples looked at locally in 2019," Deyalsingh told reporters during a visit to the Just Because (JB) ward of the Wendy Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope.

"So that is a wonderful collaboration we are looking forward to and that will significantly advance how we treat with these kids."

The flow cytometer is expected to be commissioned by the end of next month.

Flow cytometry, according to wikipedia, is a technique used to detect and measure physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles. It is routinely used in basic research, clinical practice and clinical trials.

Deyalsingh said his ministry has been working to acquire the piece of equipment for about a year.

“Whenever somebody wants to donate equipment (in this case Royal Bank of Canada), it has to go through a process for ethical reasons. That has been done, the procurement has been done. The machine is here and, hopefully, we are going to have it up and running by 2019. We are very, very excited about that.”

The JB ward, which is primarily an oncology ward, also cares for paediatric patients with a range of disorders, including diabetes.

Deyalsingh, who sought to spread some Christmas cheer to the children in the ward, said he hoped the flow cytometer will facilitate earlier detection, thus enabling youngsters to live long, productive lives.

He said: “With more and more screening, you are going to get more and more cases coming up and as doctors understand what are the signs and symptoms of cancer, that 30 years ago would have gone undiagnosed.”

The minister could not provide statistics on paediatric cancer in TT.

During his visit, Deyalsingh interacted with ten-year-old Keanu Alleyne, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Friday.

He said while it was difficult for children to understand the condition, it was important have the relevant information.

“It is difficult for a child to understand why they have Type 1 diabetes. It is not their fault. So, we have to educate both the mummy, the family and the child so they understand that this is a condition that they could live with, that they could control and live long, happy, successful and rewarding lives, once they are educated on what Type 1 diabetes is, juvenile diabetes and how to cope with it.”

Deyalsingh urged Keanu’s mother, Laurel David, to visit social media websites where world class athletes, born with the condition, have led fulfilling lives.

During yesterday's visit to the EWMSC, Deyalsingh also met with young, HIV patients.