Asheville Citizen-Times from Asheville, North Carolina • Page 10

Asheville Citizen Times 2D Saturday, Feb. 23, 1991 FDA Approves Cancer Drug Tested By N.C. Researchers also welcomed the anornvaL Th Associated Press CHAPEL HILL The USDA's approval of a drug that helps cancer patients fight the most life-threatening side effect of chemotherapy received a hearty round of applause from North Carolina researchers. "I'd be reluctant to say this is a home run, but it's definitely a triple." said Dr. Howard Ozer, associate director of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the major research sites for the drug.

"It's very seldom that we work with a new agent that is as brilliantly successful as this drug," Ozer told The News and Observer of Raleigh in an interview published today. The data have been unequivocal, highly significant and dramatic." Jeffrey Crawford, director of the thoracic oncology program at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, rather works against a common complication of cancer treatment Each year, about 225,000 American cancer patients are treated with chemotherapy that affects the bone) marrow, where blood cells are made, according to the FDA. As many as half of these patients suffer serious tn-t fections resulting from a deficiency of white blood cells, particularly one type called neutrophils, during their' course of treatment "The problem with febrile neutropenia is, first of all, you feel terrible," Ozer said. "You must be admitted to a hospital, you must be treated with multiple intravenous antibiotics and, worst of alt the incidence of death from the infection is as high as 3 to 10 percent There's a real risk of dying when you develop febrile neutropenia," Patients who develop the condition often have to discontinue or reduce their doses of chemotherapy, making treatment less effective. "This will allow us to give more chemotherapy more intensively and with greater safety for some kinds of cancer," Ozer said.

In studies involving small-cell lung cancer patients, researchers at Duke, UNC-CH and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Durham found patients getting injections of G-CSF had increased white blood cell counts and were less likely to get infections, be hospitalized or require antibiotics. The only side effect of G-CSF was temporary bone pain, which could be controlled in most patients with Tylenol-type drugs. Doctors think Neupogen will be particularly beneficial in conjunction with treatment for lymphomas, leuke-mias, lung cancer and some types of breast cancer, which often require intensive doses of chemotherapy. "I think this is going to have a major impact on the cure of cancer patients;" he sail The VS. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the use of the drug, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, or G-CSF.

In studies at several research centers, including UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University in Durham, the drug was found to stimulate growth of infection-fighting white blood cells. Without the drug, many cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy develop dangerously low white blood cell counts, leaving them vulnerable to potentially deadly infections. G-CSF, which will be marketed under the trade name Neupogen, greatly reduces the risk of this condition, known as febrile neutropenia. Neupogen does not treat cancerous tumors, but Davis Upset By Attorney Questioned In Abuse Case ort-s Charges lep Aw By BOB SCOTT Western Bureau ANDREWS Nord Davis Jr, who heads up an organization known as the Northpoint Tactical Teams, which be describes as a financial, tactical and management organization, was angered Thursday after a group known as North Carolinians Against Racist and Religious Violence reported In a press conference AS .7 wey monitor nis activities. i I i The Associated Press FARMVILLE An Edenton day care center owner who faces 248 child molestation charges attended a hearing Friday meant to determine whether his attorney faces a conflict of interest in the case.

Robert Fulton Kelly owner of Edenton's now-closed Little Rascals Day Care Center, is to be the first of seven defendants tried in the case. His trial has been set for April 8 in Farmvffle. Superior Court Judge Marsh McLelland heard arguments on whether a conflict of interest exists for Kelly's court-appointed attorney, Jeffery Miller. Miller also has been retained to represent a co-defendant in the case, Robin Boles Byrum. Prosecutor William P.

Hart told the judge that children who were the alleged victims in the case have said they saw Kelly and Byrum having sex, which Hart says demonstrates the potential exists for a conflict of interest But W. Michael Spivey, who also represents Kelly, said Kelly and Byrum are aware of possible conflicts with Miller's legal Tne NCARRV group included Davis' group in its 1990 report outlining concerns what are described as hate groups in North Carolina. Their report was released Wednesday in AP Phots Kaieieh Mattresses To Troops people when Davis sends material espousing hatred, bigotry and violence. Davis denies his materials advocate any of the things McCoy-Davis alludes to. Davis said he raises theological points as it applies to world events.

"I dont mind them saying I'm a Christian Identity minister, but when they lump that in with- Nazis that paint swastikas on Synagogues or do other acts of violence, then they are saying I'm a criminal, which I'm not" Davis said In April 1990 Davis made the largest single mailing in the history of the Andrews Post Office when he mailed more than 1 tons of his book, called "Hope's Husband" In that book, Davis claimed that certain CIA-owned corporations were directly involved in drug operations into the United States from Central America. Davis said he has printed more than 6 million copies of books and pamphlets "exposing Communist influences in various parts of the world" and promoting' "American Christian traditions of private enterprise, limited constitutional government and individual responsibility." The NCARRV report also said 78 violent and illegal incidents were reported state-wide last year. According to John Simmons, a spokesman for the Attorney General's office, those 78 incidents were out of a total of 36,000 violent crimes which doesnt indicate any great trend toward an increase in racial or religious based crime. Davis-McCoy was also cited as saying that Macon County had a march by the Christian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. "I never heard of any such march," said Macon County Sheriff Homer Holbrooks.

Davis-McCoy denied she said Macon County held a Klan march Lions aub Industries employees Iredell Harris and Lee Stephens box up a mattress that will soon be sent to Saudi Arabia for U.S. troops. The company has an order for mattresses to be shipped out in the next few weeks. About St percent of the workforce for the business Is legally blind. Former Democratic Stalwart Switches Parties The Associated Press Years ago, Lauch Faircloth said there were two things in life he had never understood electricity and Davis imvis denied Friday having anything to do with hate groups and he blasted the Durham based group for including him in their annual report "I have a right to believe anything I want pursuant to the Scriptures.

That's not a crime. I have a right to teach and publish what I believe is in the scriptures. I dont want to be included with criminals," Davis said. Christina Davis-McCoy, the executive director of the NCARRV, said Davis is one of an increasing number of "Christian Identity Theology" groups that fuel hatred, bigotry and violence while hiding behind the trappings of Christianity. Davis-McCoy also said that Christian Identity Theology is on the increase in Western North Carolina.

Davis-McCoy said she was not arguing Davis" right to his beliefs. She said she was exercising her rights and responsibilities to inform Republicans. "I'm still confused about electricity," Faircloth said Friday after switching his registration to the Republican Party. The former state Commerce Secretary said he had changed to me about it It's always an honor and flattering, but I've only switched parties on the 14th and I haven't made any real decision." Republican Party chairman Jack Hawke said Faircloth would have to be considered a serious contender for the Senate race. "I think right now, this far out the ones who are the most serious are Faircloth, (Charlotte mayor) Sue Myrick and (former Superior Court judge) Bev Lake," Hawke said.

"There are a lot of other names out there who are thinking about it" Faircloth had signalled his disenchantment with the Democratic Party last year when he supported Republican Sen. Jesse Helms and headed a Democrats for Helms committee. Faircloth said he believed the Democrats have become too liberal. "It's a little bit of a tired cliche, but the thrust and direction of the Democratic Party has moved to a far more liberal stance," Faircloth said. "I dont think my direction has changed." Sampson County, where Faircloth has a farm and other business interests, has long been a battleground for Democrats and Republicans.

It is one of the few counties in eastern North Carolina where Republicans have successfully challenged Democrats for local offices. Faircloth said he had heard little from local Democrats about his change of parties. "I'm sure those people did not agree with the switch," Faircloth said. "I have had some favorable comments, but I havent heard too many unfavorable comments. I guess 111 pick some of those up as we go along." Faircloth served as commerce secretary under Gov.

Jim Hunt and as chairman of the State Highway Commission under Gov. Bob Scott Sanford, who servea as governor from 1961-1965, appointed him to the Highway Commission. He finished third in a bitter 1984 primary for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Two other Democrats in that primary former Charlotte mayor Eddie Knox and former Lt Gov. Jimmy Green supported Republican Gov.

Jim Martin in the general election against Rufus Edmisten. Ken Freidlein, a spokesman for Sanford, said the senator was disappointed that Faircloth had left the party. "He said he has known Lauch for 35 years and respected him for 35 years," Freidlein said. Sanford had backed Faircloth's 1984 gubernatorial bid, he said. Republican Lt Gov.

Jim Gardner said he was glad to hear that Faircloth had switched, but that it was too early to talk about a Senate bid. ml FAIRCLOTH To Improve his registration Feb. 14 and was considering a bid for the U.S. Senate against Democratic Sen. Terry Sanford in 1992.

"It's way, way too early to tell (about a Senate bid)," Faircloth sail "Some very nice people have talked System's Reliability By BOB SCOTT time to follow through because of Commission Wrestles Charlotte Broker Sued By State Western Bureau FRANKLIN Nantahala Power Light Co. will undertake a major construction program in the early summer months to improve the company's electrical system's reliability by replacing a 50-year-old transmission powerline, the company said Friday. The old powerline, close to its carrying capacity, is the only link between the company's east and west ends of the system that runs from the Nantahala Powerhouse to the large Oak Grove Substation in To Define Cerebral Palsy Th The Associated Press ums. But lawyers argued that the fund would shield erosslv neelieent REGIONAL Digest Macon County, company officials said imanciai proDiems Drought on by unresolved rate cases in 1976 and 1980. "Those are behind us now.

This improved reliability was needed 15 years ago, and with the load growth since that time, it is critically important today," Tucker said The new line is designed for minimum visual and environmental impact The towers will be darkened and the type of conductor to be used will reflect little light Both the towers and the conductor will blend with the surrounding mountainous terrain. The height of the line will reduce the amount of cutting necessary to maintain service. Special right-of-way clearing techniques will be used to minimize the visual impact of the line. Herbicides will not be used on the right-of- way, company officials stressed "We plan to Improve the appearance of the area where the line crosses the Appalachian Trail at Tel-lico Gap. The towers will be placed much farther from the trail than the present wood structures about 250 feet compared with the present 25 feet The towers will also increase the height of the line crossing the trail which will allow screening with trees and other native vegetation.

Both the line and the towers will be screened by vegetation. Most hikers will probably not notice the towers," Tucker said will also upgrade the road on the east side of Tellico Gap as part of the preparation for construction. Upgrading the road will reduce the soil erosion that is now causing a degree of siltation in Tellico Creek, Tucker said CHARLOTTE The N.C. Attorney General's Office is suing a Charlotte loan broker, accusing the company of falsely telling would-be borrowers that it controlled more than $200 billion in investment money. The suit filed Thursday accuses Morgan Crowe and Associates of defrauding companies of "hundreds of thousands of dollars." It seeks unspecified damages.

On Wednesday, a Missouri judge froze the bank accounts of Morgan Crowe, which is headquartered there but does most of its business out of offices in Charlotte. Doctor On Trial WILMINGTON An in-law of Dr. Eddie Powell testified Thursday that he admitted having sex with his stepdaughter and performing two abortions on her. Judy Anderson of Fayette-ville, an aunt of Powell's wife, said the confession came during a phone conversation with him last Aug. 29.

It is listed on her phone bill as a six-minute call to the Powells' Roseboro home. RALEIGH A legislative commission struggled Friday with the definition of cerebral palsy as it tried to develop a compensation plan for children born with the disease. The commission is trying to create a special fund that would cover the unpaid medical costs for children born with cerebral palsy. The definition is critical because it will determine how many babies will be covered and how much the program will cost "What we are worried about is who gets in and who gets out" said Grover McCain, who represents the Academy of Trial Lawyers on the commission. "The definition sets who will be covered under this program and who will be going to the courts." State officials estimated about 150 to 250 children born each year could be eligible for the program.

Doctors and lawyers squared off over the proposed program last year because children covered by the fund would not be able to sue doctors for alleged negligence that led to the brain injuries. Doctors argued that the fund would provide all cerebral palsy children with needed medical care and reduce medical malpractice premi doctors from lawsuits. A revised definition offered by Chris Hoke of the state Division of Health Services specified conditions recognized by doctors as symptoms of cerebral palsy. It also would exclude children whose disabilities stem from substance abuse by their mothers, a category drug experts say is growing. "I'm not sure exactly how I feel about that" Hoke said, referring to the substance abuse provision.

"But I wanted to throw it out for discussion, I think if we include it we have to be prepared for arguments from some about what that does to the numbers. And if we dont include it we have to be prepared for other arguments." "I dont think the purpose of the bin is to provide compensation for children whose mothers voluntarily used or abused drugs," said Dr. Sandy Easley of Greenville. "We dont know all the effects cocaine has on the brain," said Dr. Michael Tennison of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

That number (of cocaine babies) will grow unless the drug problem curtailed soon." Mrs. Anderson, a minister, said Powell was crying when he confessed to her. Airline Pleads Guilty RALEIGH A Venezuelan airline has pleaded guilty to conspiring to import the skin and bones of an endangered jaguar to North Carolina and has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine. Herman Zingg president of AERO Ejecutivos C.A. of Caracas, Venezuela, entered a guilty plea on behalf of his company Wednesday in U.S.

District Court in Raleigh. Richard Moore, assistant U.S. attorney, said the company's plea stemmed from the investigation of John B. Funderburg, former curator of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences.

The Associated Press The power line connects the company's largest generating facility with the eastern part of the system where two-thirds of customers live. The new power line will parallel the old line. A double circuit line, suspended from darkened steel towers, will replace the old wood structures that now support the power line, said Ed Tucker, executive vice president The existing power line is single circuit that offers no backup in case of a failure. "The transmission line crosses 13 miles of some of the most rugged territory in the Southern Appalachians. In case of damage or equipment failure on the existing single line, the inacessible terrain can cause significant delays in restoring service to portions of our system," Tucker said The company first developed plans to build the second circuit 15 years ago but was unable at that 1.