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Category: Cancer Treatment

Cancer Treatment

Who Should Take HPV Vaccine For Cervical Cancer Prevention? What You Need To Know

Recently, the union government made a significant announcement regarding the provision of free HPV vaccinations for all young girls aged between 9 and 14 years. The HPV vaccine serves as a preventive measure against the development of warts caused by the Human papillomavirus, which can manifest in the genital area and other regions of the skin, depending on the severity of the infection. It’s crucial to recognise that HPV stands as the primary cause of cervical cancer in women.

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Cancer Treatment

Essential Insights into Chemotherapy: A Fundamental Guide – CancerMitr

Chemotherapy is the process of administering powerful drugs into the human body to target and destroy cancerous cells, either orally or intravenously.
Unlike the targeted assault of infectious agents, cancer arises from the internal rebellion of old and damaged cells. Instead of undergoing the natural senescence process, these cells start to divide abnormally, disrupting the normal functioning of the tissue or organ from which they originate. This abnormal cell division is metaphorically described as a condition where the body turns against itself.

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Cancer Treatment

Unmasking the Silent Struggle: Depression in the World of Cancer – CancerMitr

Mental health care for cancer patients is an often overlooked but absolutely crucial facet of comprehensive healing. The mere mention of ‘cancer’ can send shivers down the bravest of spines. It’s a word so universally recognized that even those who may not know its clinical definition are acutely aware of its formidable reputation; having the disease means sure death. It’s a disease that doesn’t just attack the body; it infiltrates the very essence of a person’s life by putting them in financial and social crisis.

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Cancer Treatment

Unseen Battles: Exploring PTSD Amongst Cancer Patients – CancerMitr

While we often place utmost importance on the physical aspects of cancer treatment, the mental health of cancer patients is an integral but often underappreciated component of their journey towards healing and resilience.

In the realm of mental health, one condition that can arise in the wake of such trauma is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Cancer Treatment

Challenging The Standard Of Care: Novel Strategies For Advanced Cancer Treatment

Home Challenging The Standard Of Care: Novel Strategies For Advanced Cancer Treatment – By Cancer Patient Lab, Medium.com John Doe has cancer. He is discussing his treatment options with his oncologist. The oncologist explains a treatment plan that is based on the current standard of care: a carefully tried and tested treatment backed by evidence from robust clinical trials. He also explains the importance of hitting cancer hard from the start, so the plan is to administer the maximum dose John can tolerate killing as many of the tumour cells as possible, and when the treatment stops working, they will discuss other options. It’s impossible to know how well the treatment will work for John until he actually takes it, but the doctor reassures him that the data from the clinical trials are good and that a statistically significant percentage of patients survive up to twelve months before the treatment fails and they need a new option. John leaves the clinic with a heavy feeling. The uncertainty around his treatment options and the doctor’s language make him feel like a statistic. What happens when his tumour resists treatment? What if he runs out of options? Although John is a fictional patient, his story is representative of many people whose cancer is treated based on standardized treatment plans. The problem with these plans is that they are based on population averages, yet everyone’s tumour is different. So why are they all treated the same way? And why subject patients to the rollercoaster of hope with a new treatment, followed by anxiety and disappointment when it fails, only to start that cycle over and over again until there are no more options? Bob Gatenby, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, Co-Director, Center of Excellence for Evolutionary Therapy, and Department Chair, of Diagnostic Imaging, has been pondering these questions and advocating for novel strategies for advanced cancer treatment. His approach is based on evolutionary and game theory and experimental models, with a more nuanced approach to cancer treatment, which takes into consideration the uniqueness of each patient’s cancer and its response to drugs, beyond the strategy of taking a single drug at maximum tolerated dose until it fails. The strategies include combining therapies, low doses, sequencing treatments, and using mathematical simulation models for maximum impact. This is in contrast with the predominant treatment strategy where a patient is given the maximum drug dose they can tolerate until their tumors become resistant to it. Dr. Gatenby and his colleagues see limitations in the clinical gold standard of evidence — double-blind randomized trials, which they argue have some benefits but also some drawbacks. These drawbacks are more apparent as we move to personalized cancer care with targeted molecular therapies. “>”>The Scientific Hypothesis Dr. Gatenby’s team’s method is based on the understanding that any tumor comprises a mixed population of cancerous cells. All these cells want to do is to keep multiplying. As the tumor environment has limited resources, these multiple cells compete with each other. Cancer cells also develop the ability to change and adapt to their environment to keep multiplying. So, if a tumor is subjected to a treatment, some of the cells in the mixed population are selected because they are resistant to treatment. However, this can come at a cost. Adaptive therapy leverages the cost of developing resistance. Since the sensitive cells do not have the burden of the resistance mechanisms that the resistant cells have, the sensitive cells have an advantage. When treatment is paused, sensitive cells outcompete the resistant cells. The strategy is to use the sensitive cells that you can control, to control the resistant cells that you cannot control. In other words, you change the dynamics within a tumor to improve the outcomes of treatment. “>”>The Treatment Strategy  Here are several key underlying principles of a treatment strategy that can control the evolution of an advanced cancer: Apply a low dose: Hit the tumours with enough treatment to perturb their system, but not so much to kill all the sensitive cells, thereby leaving the environment free for the resistant cells to proliferate. The resistant cells can be controlled by keeping enough of the sensitive cells around. Apply treatment combinations (first strike, second strike): Lacking magic bullets, metastatic cancers can be kept under control through a strategic combination of pretty good bullets. None of these bullets could by themselves cure the cancer, but the combination could. Sequence treatments (not a combination cocktail): If you have a combination cocktail, especially as a first strike, you’re applying the therapy to the largest possible population. The heterogeneity of the cancer cells is such that almost certainly, you will find tumor cells that will be resistant to the combination. It is better to hit the cancer with therapies in sequence, as each knocks the population down and can drive it to extinction. Use mathematical models as a guide: Having a hypothesis and a simulation of what should happen based on evolutionary theory helps in understanding why and enables insights from much smaller trial cohorts. “>”>Does it work in real life?  Dr. Gatenby shared a study using an androgen-suppressing drug (Abiraterone) in this adaptive therapy on-off mode, monitoring disease progression through PSA (prostate-specific antigen — a measure of disease progression) tests. Seventeen (17) patients completed the trial and were compared to 16 demographically similar patients who had the same 50% PSA decline with the initial Abiraterone dose, but who then got standard-of-care dosing. The difference in median time to progression was 14.3 months on the standard of care, compared to 33.5 months on adaptive therapy. Overall survival in the standard-of-care cohort was 30.4 months vs. 58.5 months in the adaptive therapy group. 4 of the 17 adaptive therapy patients are still alive and on treatment, over six years since their treatment began. The patients on the adaptive therapy did not get treatment about half of the time, which resulted in a cost reduction of an average of $70,000 per patient per year. To apply this

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Cancer Treatment

10 Ways To Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects

Home Chemotherapy is an effective treatment option against cancer, but it causes a lot of side effects. As a result, people tend to avoid or delay cancer treatment because they fear the side effects, fueled by the notion that the therapy would leave them in worse shape than the disease itself. It is imperative for people to know that these side effects can be managed effectively. Continue reading to learn more about how to handle chemotherapy-induced side effects. “>”>What is chemotherapy?  Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves powerful drugs that destroy fast-growing abnormal cells in the human body, notably cancer. There are several types of drugs, and they are either used alone or in combination. It is used as; A single cancer therapy To prepare a patient for treatment by reducing the tumour size To destroy existing cancer cells following surgery or other treatment procedures “>”>What are the side effects of chemotherapy?  Chemotherapy involves injecting medications that resemble poison into the body, hoping they will kill all the cancerous cells. However, it is important to note that it is not poison and not all chemotherapy drugs lead to side effects.  Common side effects of chemotherapy are as follows; Nausea / Vomiting Diarrhoea Constipation Pain Easy bruising Bleeding Hair loss Loss of appetite Fatigue Fever Mouth sores Sleeping problems NauseaVomitingDiarrhoeaConstipationPainEasy bruisingBleedingHair lossLoss of appetiteFatigueFeverMouth soresSleeping problems Previous Next Long-term side-effects of chemotherapy include; Damage to lung tissue Heart problems Infertility Kidney problems Nerve damage Damage to lung tissueHeart problemsInfertilityKidney problemsNerve damage Previous Next Also read: Why Chemotherapy Is Right for You. “>”>How to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy?  Not all chemotherapy drugs cause side effects in people, as mentioned in the above paragraph. Tolerance to these medications differs from person to person. These effects can be minimized by additional therapy as well as natural ways. Here are some helpful methods for overcoming chemotherapy-induced side effects Natural supplements People should consume enough food to overcome fatigue, which is challenging due to constant nausea and vomiting. Ginger helps in overcoming nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.  Ginseng reduces stress and fatigue. In addition, glutamine-rich food items like eggs, spinach, cabbage, cheese, milk, beans, and seafood reduce weakness, numbness, and mouth sores.  Medications Medical experts offer various pills and ointments to deal with side effects like vomiting and mouth sores. People are recommended to change their medication if they feel it is not working.  Rest Patients undergoing chemotherapy should take plenty of bed rest if they experience weakness or fatigue. Regular energy levels usually take a while, and people should rest instead of pushing themselves too far.  Small but frequent meals People undergoing chemotherapy experience nausea and loss of appetite. But they must consume enough food to avoid malnourishment and other health issues.  So, it is better to have small but frequent meals instead of sticking to the usual three meals a-day routine. Eat fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Hydration Vomiting and loose motion (Diarrhoea) lead to loss of energy and dehydration. People should keep themselves hydrated with a minimum of 8-9 glasses of water. They can opt for juice or decaffeinated tea.  Shave the head One of the most talked about side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs can cause hair over 2-3 weeks after a session. People should consider cutting or shaving their heads so that they don’t have to deal with the irritation of hair loss. Hats, scarves, and wigs are available for cancer patients. Most of the time, hair loss is only temporary, and it grows back again after chemotherapy has been completed.  Also read: Small contribution, big difference: What you can do to help people fight against cancer “>”>In conclusion Cancer treatment involves a long journey that requires patience and sheer willpower. The challenges that come with cancer do not end overnight. However, with ample support and therapy, people can overcome anything. Every issue has several answers. Therefore people living with cancer shouldn’t hold off on looking for them. “>”>How can CancerMitr help?  CancerMitr aims to be a good friend to every cancer patient who will be there throughout the journey from discovery to recovery.  We work with the best doctors and clinics across India to provide pre-eminent care for all cancer patients. It also involves supportive therapy to overcome the side effects of cancer treatment methods like surgery and chemotherapy.  Check out the below links for various packages we offer; Nutrition Fitness Medicines Cancer products  Equipment

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Immunotherapy revolutionizing cancer treatment
Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment

Home Immunotherapy: How it is revolutionizing cancer treatment? The human body has an effective defence mechanism that shields it from various foreign invasions and factors that could impair its normal functioning. This defence system is called the immune system. The immune system can handle almost any threat to the human body, including cancer. However, the immune system must be trained to recognize and respond to these threats. Keep reading to learn more about the immunotherapy cancer treatment that involves training the body’s immune system. What is immunotherapy? Immunotherapy is a process of using the human body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The process involves training the immune system to destroy intruders, including cancerous cells.The special cells in the immune system work like the military that patrols various places for “intruders.” The peculiarity of cancer cells is that theycontinuously multiply and spread in the human body. They are constantly on the move. So, immunotherapy as a process also involves aiding the body’s immune system to produce more cancer-fighting special immune cells. These special cells will effectively locate and destroy other cancer cells. What are the types of immunotherapy? Checkpoint inhibitors: The immune system is so powerful that it needs to be controlled from “over” reacting. The checkpoints ensure that the immune system does not destroy the normal and healthy cells. Checkpoint inhibitors involve the intake of drugs that block the immune checkpoints so that the special immune cells respond strongly to cancer cells.  This process is used to treat cancer, such as; Bladder cancer Cervical cancer Esophageal cancer Head and neck cancer Hepatocellular carcinoma Breast cancer Kidney cancer Melanoma Mesothelioma Non-small cell lung cancer T-cell transfer therapy: It is a process where the immune system’s natural capacity to fight cancer is boosted. Here, the medical experts take the immune cells from the tumour.The most active cells against tumours are grown in laboratory conditions in large batches. They are reintroduced into the body intravenously so that they kill the cancerous cells. T-cell transfer therapy is also known as adoptive cell therapy and is used to treat cancers like; Leukemia Lymphoma Myeloma Brain cancer Breast cancer Melanoma Cervical squamous carcinoma Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) Monoclonal antibody therapy: Antibodies serve as the first line of defence against the foreign bodies that invade the human body. They mark the intruder who enters the human body.  Monoclonal antibody therapy involves immune system proteins that are created in laboratory conditions. They are introduced to the human body so that they bind to cancer cells. In that way, the immune system quickly recognizes the cancer cells and destroys them. This form of therapy is used against cancers such as; Bladder cancer Breast cancer Colorectal cancer Lymphoma Leukemia Multiple myeloma Cervical squamous carcinoma Non-small cell lung cancer  Cancer vaccines: Cancer vaccines don’t prevent cancer. Instead, it trains the immune system to recognize the cancer cells better and fight them effectively. In addition, certain vaccines fight against the virus that can cause cancer in people, like the HPV vaccine. Immune system modulators: Immune system modulators are substances that enhance the human body’s response against cancer cells. It involves substances like cytokines, BCG and immunomodulatory drugs like Thalidomide, Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide, and Imiquimod. How is immunotherapy revolutionizing cancer treatment? History has recorded earlier research on cancer immunotherapy during the 17th and 18th. Today, immunotherapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment against cancer though it may not be effective against all forms of the disease. Cancer cells divide and spread quickly, and the treatment method must stop its spreading. Recently, a US woman in her early 50s opened up about surviving metastatic breast cancer through immunotherapy. Before that, her oncologists told her that she had just three years to live as a woman in 4th stage of her breast cancer, which had spread even to her liver. Immunotherapy completely cured her stage 4 cancer, and she is the first person to survive secondary breast cancer in the world. Immunotherapy has given a new lease of life to a lot of patients, and cancer researchers are optimistic about witnessing a lot of change in the next five years. In conclusion, Researchers are pushing for the early detection of metastatic cancer for a higher success rate of immunotherapy. Since there has been a couple of cases where people survived stage 4 cancer and resurgence, there is hope for future generations. Scientists are looking for a suitable solution for all cancer patients. At the same time, they endorse the importance of early detection for a successful treatment, including that immunotherapy. Do you seek guidance for effective cancer treatment?  CancerMitr is here as a friend for all cancer patients and their families. Cancer is not the end of the journey, and  one can always put up a strong fight against it. Contact our team if you seek assistance, and check out our website for various screening and treatment packages, including immunotherapy. Click here

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