The destructive mustard gas of World War I is used today to prolong the life of leukemia victims.
Dr. John Schenken, professor and chairman of the department of pathology at the University of Nebraska said in New Orleans today the mustard gas is injected in leukemia victims to counteract growth of blood cells. Dr. Schenken spoke at the opening session of the American Society of Medical Technologists at the Jung hotel.
"There is striking evidence today that chemicals which neutralize folic acid also surpress growth of white blood cells," he said.
Folic acid is a chemical which stimulates growth in cells, he explained. Hopeful for Cancer
"So far the use of anti-folic
acid chemicals hasn't greatly helped patients. But the fact that the chemicals kill cancer cells is a hopeful lead," he sa|d.
No leukemia victim has ever been cured, Dr. Schenken said. "Life expectancy of a victim averages three to four months," he said.
"There is no prevention and no known cure for leukemia."
Hope is held that a cure will come from the anti-folic acid theory.
"Until then, fresh blood is still i the basic treatment for the disease," he said. 800 Technologists Here Some 800 medical technologists from the 48 states, Puerto Rico and Hawaii attended the first session.
Sister Hilary Ross, biochemist at the national leprosarium, Carville, spoke at the opening session on laboratory aids in the diagnosis of leprosy. [photo] LEADERS at the opening session of the American Society of Medical Technologists convention here today were, left to right: SISTER HILARY ROSS, biochemist at Carville National Leprosarium; MISS RUTH HOVDE, national president; and DR. LALL G. MONTGOMERY, chairman of the board of registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
