Life style
New treatment to fight Acute Leukemia
Dr. Colin Phipps Diong from Parkway Cancer Centre, Singapore was in Sri Lanka to participate at the 20th Annual Academic Sessions 2023, hosted by the Sri Lanka College of Oncology. Dr. Colin Phipps shared his expertise on CART T. Cell therapy for the treatment of Leukemia during the sessions held in Colombo.In an interview with Dr. Colin Phipps, he explains how to battle with acute Lymphoma and the modern treatment options available for patients.
By Zanita Careem
Acute Leukemia or blood cancer is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. Acute Leukemia is a fast growing cancer that progresses rapidly. The aggressive nature of different type of cancers requires more intense and timely treatment in early stages. Dr. Colin says acute Leukemia can be categorised into main subjects Acute Myeloid Leukemia and acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. CML. The difference between the two depends on the type of white blood cells affected. While Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia , the cancer affects cell lymphocytes a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection in the bone marrow.This occurs when our body produces an abnormal number of B cells in our body and destroys the healthy cells . He explains acute Leukemia have become highly treatable . He explained that whereas in the past,chemotherapy was the main modality for these two kinds of chronic leukemia,recent medical advancements have shifted the treatment paradigm to targeted therapy alone.
This therapy refers to a type of precision medicine that targets specific genes and proteins that control the growth and spread of cancer. This therapy is more specific and will have much less negative effects on normal healthy life added Dr Dong.
Dr Dong said in general, the key factors that affect the outcome of treatment for acute Leukemia includes whether patients are fit enough to receive treatment. Although it is a challenging disease to manage,but because of modern advances it can be brought under control said Dr Dong. This advanced treatment is called Cart T. Therapy. (Chimeric Antigen Receptors) These CART T- Cell therapy is basically making your own immune cells to kill the cancer directly. It is a highly specialised therapy that involves genetically modifying a patient’s own T-cells to attack their cancer.
Experiments have shown t his treatment is highly effective, for those patients with very advanced cancers and for whom other treatments no longer work. CART T-Cells clinical trials have generated impressive results in patients with blood cancers explained Dr. Dong.
This therapy usually requires a hospital stay, but for some patients we now offer it without a hospital stay said the Dr.
To qualify for CART T-Cell treatment, the patients should be those who have not responded to any other medical treatments or a patient with repeated lymphoma. The patient must also be healthy enough to undergo this treatment. When asked about the recovery Dr. Dong said all patients recover in the hospital after 1-2 weeks.
An Ongoing Revolution in Blood Cancer
Dr. explained that there are many causes for acute Leukemia, Chemical exposure,people who work in factories like rubber and petroleum are more likely liable for acute Leukemia.
Following treatment, patients need to return for regular checkups and blood tests to monitor status of their acute cancer. A patients should also be encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits, getting regular physical activity, maintain healthy weight and refrain from smoking.
Furthermore Dr. Dong explained patients should recognise that treatment for major illness can take a toll on thier psychological well being and know how and when to seek help.
“For many l cancers reasons are unknown. For lung cancer smoking is identified as the the definite cause. But at the same time there are many people who don’t smoke but who also suffer from lung cancer. Even for acute Leukemia causes are unknown said Dr Dong.
He also explained some of the symptoms for Leukemia. He said spontaneous bleeding or getting sick very often and having symptoms like high fever which could be signs of this cancer. Also sweating a lot ‘until your pillow gets wet’ could be a major symptom of acute Leukemia, according to Dr. Dong.
Dr Colin Phipps Diong is a Senior Consultant, Haematologist at Parkway Cancer Centre. His subspecialty interest is in lymphoma, Leukemias and myeloma, as well as haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
He received his medical degree from the National University of Ireland in 2002 and subsequently completed Internal Medicine residency and specialist training in Haematology at Singapore General Hospital. He obtained his MRCP (UK) and FRCPath (UK) in 2006 and 2011, respectively. He was awarded the HMDP fellowship to pursue subspecialty training in Lymphoma and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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