The best solution to LAM is to find out how to counteract the effects of the abnormal proteins in LAM cells so that it can be prevented or cured. This is the purpose of basic laboratory research.
Clinical studies are needed to find out more about LAM and to test potential new treatments as they become available. To do this properly requires well designed clinical trials comparing one treatment with another or with a dummy. Because LAM is rare this is difficult but with international collaboration it should be possible to find enough patients who would be willing to take part in a treatment trial for maybe one or two years.
To provide help and support for patients with LAM. Patients with a rare disease suffer from isolation and LAM Action has enabled patients to meet other patients with LAM, communicate by phone or email, and learn more about LAM through the website and LAMPost. The annual meeting in Nottingham has grown steadily and all patients and their families and friends are welcome.
Juliet Stevenson