Consumption of red wine reduces the growth of cancer cells and aids in the radiation treatment. Resveratrol, an antioxidant present in grape skin helps to kill mitochondria of cancer cells. It also makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation therapy and makes normal cells more resistant to cancer treatment. This research study was done by University of Rochester scientists and published in the journal “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology”. Resveratrol also acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic agent. This anti-oxidant is a tumour sensitizer and makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation and chemotherapy. It improves prognosis of cancer patients. It helps to use energy efficiently by helping to kill mitochondria of tumour cells. So, Cancer patients who are under treatment can consume moderate quantities of red wine. Scientists need to do more experiments on the effects of other antioxidants like Caffeine etc. … [Read more...]
FDA approved Avastin for Breast Cancer
Food and Drug Administration approved Genentech’s “Avastin” for the treatment of advanced breast Cancer. Avastin was already got FDA approval for treating advanced Colon and non-small cell Lung cancer. According to the Genentech Company, Avastin in combination with Paclitaxel chemotherapy will rise survival period in metastatic breast cancer patients. Why FDA took this decision against the recommendation of its advisory panel? We don't know. FDA gave accelerated approval for Avastin in combination with Paclitaxel for treating metastatic HER-2 negative breast cancer. According to clinical trials, this combination increased the survival duration in these patients. 75% of metastatic breast cancers are generally HER-2 negative. According to American Cancer society, Breast Cancer is the second most leading cancer killer among American women and it killed 45,000 women in 2007 alone. Don’t forget that metastatic breast cancer has no permanent cure. Avastin is also showing positive response in the renal cell carcinoma treatment clinical trials. Avastin uses: 1. Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: In combination with 5-fluorouracil, is indicated for treatment of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum. 2. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: In combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, is indicated for first line treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer. 3. Metastatic HER-2 negative Breast Cancer. Avastin is really a wonder drug for both cancer patients and Genentech company. … [Read more...]
Taxotere approved for head and neck cancer by FDA
French Pharma Company Sanofil-Aventis’s Taxotere (Docetaxel) got US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for treating head and neck cancer. FDA approved Docetaxel for treating locally advanced head and neck cancer prior to chemotherapy and surgery. Taxotere is used in combination therapy along with cisplatin and 5-fluouracil for treating unresectable advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. Its usage before chemotherapy/radiotherapy and surgery improve the survival chances of patients. The drug was approved by FDA based on the TAX 324 trial results (Phase 3 randomized). Adding Taxotere to combination therapy will reduce death risk by 30%, according to trials. Side effects of Taxotere: Febrile Neutropenia is the most common side effect. Dizziness, alopecia and diarrhea are other common side effects of Taxotere therapy. Head and neck cancer statistics: More than 0.6 million people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year. Head and neck cancer is responsible 0.35 million deaths annually. Head and neck cancer is a group of many related Diseases that mostly begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the head and neck area such as the mouth, tongue, tonsils and throat. Taxotere is currently approved in the America and Europe for treating breast cancer, prostate cancer, head-neck cancer, gastric cancer and lung cancer. Sanofil-Aventis is the third largest drug maker in the world. … [Read more...]
Cancer deaths will rise in elderly patients
Number of cancer patients aged 65 or above would double by 2030, according to World Health Organization. New cancer cases may increase from 10.9 million in 2002 to about 16 million in 2020. Cancer deaths would rise from 6.7 million in 2002 to 10.3 million in 2020. 30% of these cancer deaths are in elder patients aged above 75. Lack of awareness about latest developments in cancer research and treatment options making elder patients are worst sufferers. Another major reason for these deaths is lack of proper treatment. Cancer patients aged above 65 generally not adhere to complex cancer regimes. Memory problems and lack of social support are the reasons behind this non-compliance. Most of these old patients live in socially isolated atmosphere. These patients can’t bear the cost of treatment especially in developing countries. Change in lifestyle habits of people from developing countries is another reason behind this cancer time bomb. Increases in smoking, alcoholism and junk food consumption are triggers for this rise in cancer cases. Governments need to allocate more budget on health expenditure and provide free treatment for patients aged above 65. People from developed countries are utilizing advanced cancer treatments in preventing cancer deaths. But people of developing nations unable to utilize these drug regimes due to lack of awareness and money. According to some reports, 30 African and Asian countries do not even have radiotherapy machines. It is waste to expect quality care in these countries. … [Read more...]
Evista for Breast Cancer in postmenopausal women
Evista (Raloxifene) was approved for Breast cancer treatment by Food and Drug administration for some post-menopausal women. After Tamoxifen, Evista is the second drug approved for breast cancer treatment. Evista should not be prescribed for all women because of serious side effects. Evista is advised for treatment in two groups of women to lower the risk of invasive breast cancer. 1. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. 2. Postmenopausal women at high risk for invasive breast cancer. Breast Cancer statistics: Breast Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women. It accounts for 26% of all cancers among US women. According to American Cancer Society, 0.18 Million American women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year. Evista is a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) manufactured by Eli Lilly. It is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Side effects of Evista: 1. Blood clots in the legs, eyes and lungs. Women who have previous history of clots should not take Evista. 2. Hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling of the legs and feet, flu-like symptoms, joint pain and sweating. 3. Evista should not be taken by premenopausal women and pregnant women because of serious harm to the foetus. 4. Evista should not be taken along with estrogens or Cholestyramine. Tamoxifen is the best drug for premenopausal women who have a breast cancer risk while Raloxifene is preferred for postmenopausal women. Evista does not treat existing breast cancer. Oncologist should weigh potential benefits and risks before prescribing Evista to postmenopausal women who are at high risk for invasive breast cancer. … [Read more...]
FDA approved Wyeth drug Torisel for renal cell carcinoma
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wyeth drug, Temsirolimus (Torisel), for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma. According to company research, it has shown better results than interferon-alpha treatments. This drug will be available for treatment of patients in July. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 85% of kidney cancers. According to American cancer society estimates, 51,000 new kidney cancer cases will be diagnosed this year of which 20,000 will be in advanced disease. Previously Nexavar (2005) and Sutent (2006) are approved for the treatment of Kidney cancer. Many kidney cancer patients are cured by removing the tumor through surgery but problems arise due to 35% recurrence or metastasis. At this advanced stage, prevention of spread is more important. Here Interferons and Torisel play vital roles. Mechanism of action of Temsirolimus: It blocks the function of the Rapamycin, a key protein that regulates the cell proliferation, growth and survival. It may also block the process of angiogenesis, a process that tumors used to create a blood supply to maintain their growth. Side-effects of Torisel: When compared to Interferons, tolerance is better with Torisel. Rash, Fatigue, Mouth sores and Nausea are common side effects. These side effects are reported in 25-30% of patients.High blood sugar, elevated blood lipids and low blood counts are also found. Effect of treatment: (according to company data)With interferon – 7.3 months of survival in advanced renal carcinoma patients. With Torisel – 10.9 months of survival. Approval of Torisel is another mile stone in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. … [Read more...]
Ovarian Cancer: Causes and treatment
There are two ovaries present on either side of the uterus in a female. Functions of Ovaries: 1. Helping the ova to develop into maturity and releasing them at the time of ovulation. 2. Producing the female hormones viz; 1.estrogen and 2.progesterone. Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer: 1. Hereditary. In a family either mother or sister are having the history of ovarian cancer, the remaining female members may have the chances of getting this cancer is high. Hereditary risk is around 5%. But the troubles are more among the females who are less than 40 years age. Other factors: 1. Ovarian cysts: They do not produce cancer alone and many of them are harmless. But sometimes some other problems associated with them may produce cancer. This type of Cancer – risk is more as the age advances. 2. Oral contraceptive pills: They help in decreasing the risk of cancer occurring in the ovaries. 3.Chances of occurring cancer is less in women who are having children , compare to others who are without any issues. 4. Lactating mothers have less chances of getting this cancer compared to those who are not providing breast- feeding to their children. 5. Food habits: Women who are taking fresh vegetables and fruits 5 times daily are less prone to this cancer. Cereals and beans are more helpful in reducing the chances cancer occurring. 6. Tubectomy: Operation meant for permanent method of contraception, which reduces the risk of occurring cancer by 67%. Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: 1. History of distention of abdomen and feeling of more gas production. 2. The feeling of flu fever. 3. Bleeding from the pelvic organs sometimes occur. 4. Hirsutism (more hair growth) occasionally occur. 5. Pain in the pelvic region and discomfort often present and loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation also are there. 6. More urination and decrease in body weight is also present. 7. Pain in females during intercourse is also present. Ovarian Cancer-Treatment: 1. If the patient is having some knowledge and understanding about this disease, she will consult the gynecologist in the stage, whenever she gets the doubt and management of the case is very easy in the early stage itself. 2. Regular check-ups by the gynecologist is more helpful to diagnose the disease at the beginning itself and the treatment is very easy. 3. If there is a history of breast and ovarian cancers in a family, and other females in the family need hysterectomy operation (for some other reasons), it is better to remove the two ovaries along with the uterus, as a preventive measure to avoid the occurrence of ovarian cancer in future. 4. Annual scanning and blood tests are more helpful to those who crossed the age of 40 years. … [Read more...]
Exercise and yoga help breast cancer women in early stage
According to latest research studies, Yoga and Aerobic exercise help to improve quality of life in early-stage breast cancer patients. Results of the research study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This study is the largest to date to find the effects of exercise during chemotherapy and the first one to evaluate the effect of resistance exercise. The study was conducted over a period of 17 weeks. Yoga studies were mainly conducted on Hispanic and African American women. Resistance exercise essentially helps in stopping the most common side effect in chemotherapy – reduced white cell count. Results of the Breast cancer research studies: 1. Resistance and aerobic exercises improved physical fitness, self-esteem and body composition.2. Resistance exercise improved chemotherapy completion rates. 3. Yoga was beneficial for women who were not receiving chemotherapy during the study. 4. Exercise did not cause Lymphedema or any other side effects. 5. Exercise may increase white blood cell counts and allow chemotherapy rates to continue. 6. Women responded well in the studies compared to men. 7. Benefits of yoga are more in women who adhered to the prescribed regimen and took more classes. 8. Yoga improved emotional well-being and mood and improved quality of life. Emotional well-being is crucial for women who are undergoing chemotherapy. 9. Lifestyle interventions definitely improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients (early stage). 10. Contrary to the popular opinion, exercise actually benefits the women who are under chemotherapy. Resistance and Aerobic exercises and Yoga are must for every breast cancer patient who is under chemotherapy. … [Read more...]
Tykerb – New drug for advanced Breast cancer
A promising new drug is available for metastatic breast cancer patient, it is called " Tykerb". It is a once daily drug. It has minimum side effects just like diarrhoea and rashes. It attacks the proliferating cancer cells. No hospitalisation is required. Clinical trials are going on in Boston, USA. It is very useful in advanced breast cancer patients who had stopped responding to the drug "Herceptin" and were out of treatment options. Unlike other breast cancer drugs used for advanced cases, it shows minimum effects on heart. It is a definitely promosing new treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients where death rates are very high. Tykerb is an orally bioavailable small molecule which potently inhibits, two receptors, ErbB2 and ErbB1, and is currently in development as a first-line treatment for ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common major cancer in American women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. About 1 million new breast cancer cases are expected to have diagnosed in 2006 of which 2,00,000 cases in america alone. … [Read more...]
First Lady Lara Bush speaks on her Skin Cancer
American first lady revealed in a national TV show that she had a skin cancer recently removed. With that news, skin cancer again got prominence again in the people's minds. Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent and least discussed cancer worldwide. First lady Laura Bush says she first thought a sore on her right shin that turned out to be skin cancer was an insect bite, she told Bob Shieffer on CBS "Face the Nation" aired Sunday. In late October, Mrs. Bush had a biopsy because the sore was not healing, and it was determined to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer affects the middle portion of the epidermal skin layer. It is more aggressive than basal cell cancer, the most common form of skin cancer. The second most common skin cancer, it afflicts more that 200,000 Americans each year and claims as many as 2,500 lives a year. The highest incidence occurs in Australia. Risk Factors: Males - Older than 50 years Fair skin people History of prior nonmelanoma skin cancer Exposure to UV light (high cumulative dose) and exposure to chemical carcinogens (eg, arsenic, tar) Chronic scarring condition and Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (specific subtypes). Causes: Chronic exposure to sunlight causes most cases of SCC. It arises from the epidermis and resembles the squamous cells that comprise most of the upper layers of skin. Lesions may also occur where skin has suffered certain kinds of injury, burns and scars. Cancer may affect sites previously exposed to x-rays or certain chemicals. people who have fair skin - such as First Lady Laura Bush - are at higher risk. Treatment: A biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis of SCC. The choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location and depth of penetration of the tumor as well as the patient's age and general state of health. Latest News:Skin Cancer.org is hacked. … [Read more...]
