Pubdate: Wed, 29 Dec 2004
Source: Sun, The (UK)
Copyright: News Group Newspapers Ltd, 2004
Contact:  http://www.the-sun.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/433
Author: James Clench
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

'E' TO EASE GRIEF OF CANCER

ECSTASY is to be tested to see if it can ease the final days of cancer 
sufferers.

AmericaA's Food and Drug Administration has approved a pilot study amid 
reports the mind-bending party drug can lessen the fears of terminally ill 
patients and quell thoughts of suicide.

Psychiatrist Dr John Halpern, who is leading the study, said: A"End of life 
issues are getting more and more attention, and yet there are very few 
options for patients who are facing death.A"

He said some sufferers had claimed they found it easier to talk to friends 
and family about death and other sensitive subjects after taking ecstasy.

Twelve patients in Boston are due to undergo tests in the spring.

Already South Carolina researchers are studying the effects of ecstasy on 
20 patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

The clubbersA' drug is known to increase energy and induce feelings of 
euphoria.

But it can also sharply increase body temperature, leading to kidney and 
heart failure, and even death.
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