Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1137604
19 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 JUNE 2019 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Maltese scientists at the forefront of cancer research FRESH findings have emerged from cancer research as scientists at the Uni- versity of Malta's Laboratory of Mo- lecular Oncology at the Department of Pathology have discovered cutting-edge technology which allows for further prevention and cancer management. This has been made possible through the FUSION Fund of the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST). The research group led by Prof God- frey Grech and composed of Prof Chris- tian Scerri (Clinical lead), Dr Shawn Baldacchino, Ms Jeanesse Scerri, Mrs Ala Petersons, Mrs Maria Pia Grixti, and Mrs Martina Spiteri, together with Mrs Claudine Grech Spiteri (Industry partner; Applied Biotech) have all con- tributed to moving forward to less inva- sive and more sensitive techniques. In his introductory speech, during a dissemination event which was held at Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Kalkara on Saturday 29th June, Dr Jef- frey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chair- man of MCST publicly commended Prof Grech, as well as Applied Biotech Limited for their important contribu- tion to cancer research and innovation. He added that "Through FUSION, the national funding programme, MCST, which falls under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Financial Services, Digi- tal Economy and Innovation, exercises its mandate to support researchers by ensuring that their talent is recognised, supported and nourished throughout their career. These researchers will help further high quality, innovative research to improve the health of our society." The research findings have provided knowledge to better classify tumors into particular sub-groups with unique properties. The improved techniques enable sensitivity to measure cells and cell capsules shed by solid tumour in blood through a liquid biopsy to follow up standard tissue biopsies, moving to- wards less invasive tests. Targeted therapy is a type of treat- ment that uses drugs to target specific proteins found in cancer cells and re- lated to cancer growth, different from traditional chemotherapy, as the active drug selects between the healthy cells and cancerous ones. The next challenge is to support screening for early detections and hence improving cancer patient care across hospitals worldwide. Prof Grech said that "the next hurdle is the transition to the clinic for patient benefit, hence the fruitful collaboration with the industrial partner in this project." CEO of Applied Biotech Ltd, Mrs Claudine Grech Spiteri stated that the innovative method is very versatile and provides the possibility to develop and innovate various products. The first oncology product is planned to be launched during coming September at the European Congress of Pathology. The company has been active in engag- ing young scientists to expose them to the laboratory methods and to provide ideas for dissemination and communi- cation of science to public. Young sci- entists will provide the future workforce for the biotech industry. CEO of the Research & Innovation Development Trust (RIDT) Mr Wil- fred Kenely referred to the collabora- tion with the ALIVE foundation that has been raising funds towards cancer research since 2013, from which the RIDT had donated €135,000 to Prof Grech's team to support cancer re- search. Giselle Calleja, Malta Council for Science & Technology Shameful Italy ONE watches with contempt and ut- ter disgust at the actions of the Italian government, arresting a person who is rescuing people's lives at sea. Such is the true face of right-wing populism; such is the face of those who want to destroy the international covenant of laws that are part and parcel of our everyday rights. Saving people's lives at sea, not returning them to where they fear persecution, delivering them to the safest and nearest port, are part of the same family of universal rights that protect our freedom of speech, our freedom of conscience, or our right to property. In the end it was Sea Watch captain Carola Rackete who took responsibil- ity for bringing to safety 40 people rescued at sea, by entering 'without permission' Italian waters and the port of Lampedusa. But it is the inhumane Italian min- ister Matteo Salvini who should be prosecuted for kidnapping this young girl. One hopes Malta will never stoop to such a level. Helmut Müller, Hamburg, Germany