Medical Research In Canterbury

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30192, 25 July 1963, Page 10

Medical Research In Canterbury

II In the first part of his article, Dr. Beaven wrote of the general value of medical research, and began a survey of projects already under way in Christchurch and being assisted in varying measure by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation. He now continues this survey.

Part of the long-term investigations being carried out in the Medical Unit laboratory at the Princess Margaret Hospital is related to the development of methods for measuring small quantities of cortisone-like hormones, also known as steroid hormones, which are found in the blood and urine of all mammalian species. The Canterbury Medical Research Foundation is assisting in this work by a grant of £l4OO for a vapour fractometer with which it is hoped to detect very small quantities of the various steroids in the blood of normal subjects and in various disease processes. The study of the various hormones and the patterns into which they fall is a complex task, involving an expert knowledge of chemistry so that the small quantities of chemical substances

can be separated one from the other in the blood. This work is to be carried out by Mrs M. G. Metcalf and is part of other investigations already taking place financed by the Medical Research Council of New Zealand. Some of these studies are related to investigation of steroid hormone metabolism in patients with cancer of the breast and is supported also by grants from the McClelland Trust and the Canterbury and Westland division of the British Empire Cancer Campaign Society. Serum Corticotrophin Assay Through the courtesy and encouragement of the principal of Lincoln College (Dr. M. M. Bums) and those members of his staff who are assisting with studies, an isolated transplanted adrenal gland is being used both for corticotrophin assay and for an understanding of the mode of release of cortisone-like compounds. Over the last three years a method of estimating the very small quantities of A.C.T.H. (corticotrophin) circulating in the blood of human beings has been developed by Dr. E. A. Espiner, senior research fellow to the Medical Unit, and this method is already being used for certain patients where the information may be of value in understanding the patient’s condition. This new method appears highly sensitive and it is the first time this particular preparation has been used for corticotrophin assay. Leukaemia Research The most notable feature of medical research in Canterbury, however has undoubtedly been the outstanding leukaemia research project in the Cytogenetics Unit of the Christchurch Hospital under the direction of Dr. F. W. Gunz. The foundation has drawn inspiration from this example of what can be carried out in the local situation, with local support—in the case of the Cytogenetics Unit, from the British Empire Cancer Campaign Society. The unit is carrying out studies into the nature of the minute differences which distinguish leukaemic from normal bloodcells, and in particular into the changes in the structure and function of leukaemic cells at various stages of disease. The work of this unit is already widely recognised throughout New Zealand as being of outstanding quality, with a large number of original observations being made and published. Proof of the international quality of its work is an invitation to the director to take part in discussions on the epidemiology of leukaemia in a small committee set up on an international basis in Europe. Some of these studies, and iil particular the surveys being carried out on something over 80 per cent, of all new cases of leukaemia occurring throughout New Zealand, which are leading to a better understanding of factors related to the onset of leukaemia, have been financed by money found by the United States Public Health Service. Two science graduates are working full-time on these projects in addition to the director and other parttime assistants.

Kidney and Bladder InvesUgatiane Another line of research which although not sponsored by the foundattan la a

further example of what can be done locally, is a joint project of three Christchurch Hospital departments. The genito-urinary department, in conjunction with the paediatric and radiology departments, has been carrying out certain specialised investigations in order to try to reach an understanding of the part played in the reflux of the urine from the bladder in younger patients and children in producing chronic infections of the kidneys. As the incidence of these kidney infections appears to be increasingly recognised these studies are of great importance. allowing some understanding of the underlying processes which may allow the infection to involve the kidney. In other departments of the Christchurch Hospital such as the pathology and radiotherapy departments clinical research projects are under way, but much more could be done if there was adequate time and some extra facilities for such work to be carried out. Start Made

Already a start has been made in Canterbury, and the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation has in the two or three years since its inception played a most valuable role in catalysing or commencing some of the projects listed. Much more can be done in the future, leading directly to better treatment for the citizens of Canterbury. if there is wide support of this Canterbury Med:tai Research Foundation. This seems particularly important at present and at least until the Hospitals Act can be amended in respect of the four main metropolitan hospital groups to allow medical research to take place as part of the activities of such hospitals. In the meantime, and even at this date, it is likely that this community will be deprived of the services of some of our best recent medical graduates now on post-graduate work in overseas laboratories where specialist training is associated with some medical research. These men cannot all be fitted into the medical school in Dunedin and they will not return to Christchurch if they are not given at least some of the facilities for investigational work and research here.

Thus, the citizens of this city must ask themselves whether they are content to allow these good graduates all to remain in countries where there are better facilities and opportunities, or whether they are prepared to help this foundation, which in the long run will help them and their families. (Concluded).

Contributed by Dr. D. W. Beaven, M.R.C.P. (London), M.R.C.P. (Edinburgh), M.R.A.C P., director of the Medical Unit, Princess Margaret Hospital, in support of the wor k of the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation. The foundation is to benefit by the proceeds of the premiere of the film, "PT 109," at the Regent Theatre this eveniiip.