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A new cancer treatment is being developed in Italy. But some patients
want the drug now, before it has been fully tested on humans. Gayle
young reports. for months, italians have taken to the streets, demanding
the government make available a controversial drug treatment believed
by many to cure cancer. Doctors say the Italian treatment is different
from the new drug combination unveiled by researchers in the United
States, although they say there may be some similarities. The creator
of the Italian treatment, Dr. luigi debella, says his cocktail of
hormones inhibits tumor growth. Authorities here though are skeptical.
They are testing the so-called "debella cure" in clinical trials,
so far, with no clear results. We need to verify scientific data when
a new treatment is proposed. but cancer patients are calling for the
debella treatment to be made available immediately, and for free.
Hundreds of people call this special radio hot line every day. The
show's host says many are desperate. most people call because they
have cancer and they are not responding to official medical treatment.
This is their place of last resort. some cancer patients have been
able to find the drugs they need to follow debella's treatment program.
People should have the choice, says this patient. But the government
says it will not bow to pressure and allow the drugs to be prescribed
unchecked. They say trials are needed to make sure the patients are
receiving a valid treatment, and not false hope. Gayle young, CNN,
Rome.