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...]
Relationship between Obesity and Cancer
Researchers prove that there is a strong relation between Cancer and Obesity. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) scientists found that obesity increased the risk of breast, Kidney, colon, and esophageal cancer and cancer of the womb lining. Sedentary life style and fat and fast foods are major causes for rise in obesity. 1. If a female begins to put on weight from 16th year of age onwards, the incidence of breast cancer is more. 2. Obesity in creases the risk for breast cancer in post menopausal woman by 40%. 3. If a woman put on 10 Kg extra weight than the normal weight, the chances of cancer occurring is 40% more as per experts. 4. If the obese woman has smoking habit, risk of cancer is very high. 5. They estimate that 40% of womb lining cancers, up to 25% of kidney cancers and about 10% of breast and colon cancers would not develop if people avoided putting on excess weight. 6. 3% of newly diagnosed cases are due to obesity in America. It is the time to educate people on the life threatening risks associated with Obesity. Please share your opinion. … [Read more...]
