Tag: cancer

what happens to bone cells during radiation therapy?

During radiation therapy, high-energy radiation is directed at specific areas of the body to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Although radiation is mainly targeted at cancerous cells, surrounding healthy cells can also be affected to some extent. This includes bone cells.

Learn more what happens to bone cells during radiation therapy?

The impact of radiation on bone cells can vary depending on factors such as the dose, location, and duration of treatment. Radiation can interfere with the normal functioning and division of bone cells, leading to potential damage. This may result in decreased bone density, delayed healing of fractures, or an increased risk of fractures in the long term.

Additionally, radiation therapy can affect the blood supply to bones, potentially leading to a condition called osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue due to reduced blood flow, and it can cause pain and limited mobility in the affected area.

It’s important to note that the extent and long-term effects of radiation on bone cells depend on various factors and can differ from person to person. Medical professionals who specialize in radiation oncology can provide more specific information based on an individual’s situation.

Blood counts and cancer. How high OB should be of concern?

The interpretation of blood counts in relation to cancer should be done by a qualified medical professional. However, I can provide you with some general information:

  • An elevated OB (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may indicate inflammation or infection, but it alone cannot diagnose cancer. Further investigations are usually needed to determine the cause.
  • Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, recurrent infections, or abnormal bleeding may prompt a healthcare provider to perform a morphology (blood film examination), among other tests, to evaluate for potential underlying conditions including cancer.
  • ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a non-specific indicator of inflammation and can be elevated due to various reasons. While cancer can cause an elevated ESR, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. Additional tests are usually required to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
  • Blood counts alone cannot definitively diagnose cancer. They can indicate potential abnormalities that may warrant further investigation. Further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies, biopsies, or molecular tests, are typically necessary to confirm or exclude a cancer diagnosis.
  • The morphology results may raise concerns if there are abnormalities in the blood cells’ shape, size, or coloration. However, they are not sufficient to unequivocally determine the presence of cancer. Further tests are typically required to confirm or rule out cancer, based on the suspicion raised by the morphology findings.

Remember, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific situation and provide accurate diagnosis and advice.

how does radiation therapy affect bone cells and DNA?

Radiation therapy can have various effects on bone cells and DNA. Here’s an overview:

  1. Bone Cells:

    • Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts: Radiation therapy may reduce the number and activity of osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation, and increase the activity of osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone resorption. This imbalance can weaken the bones.
    • Blood Supply: Radiation can damage blood vessels that supply bones, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygenation. This can affect the health and function of bone cells.

  2. DNA:

    • Direct Damage: High-energy radiation can directly damage the DNA within bone cells. This damage can disrupt the normal cell cycle and potentially lead to cell death or genetic mutations.
    • Indirect Damage: Radiation can also produce free radicals that can indirectly damage DNA. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to DNA strand breaks and other cellular damage.

It’s important to note that radiation therapy is carefully planned and delivered in a controlled manner to minimize damage to healthy tissues while targeting cancer cells. The overall impact on bone cells and DNA will depend on factors such as the radiation dose, duration of treatment, and individual variability. Medical professionals closely monitor and manage any potential side effects.

what are the symptoms of primary bone cancer and how is it diagnosed?

Primary bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the bone itself. The most common symptoms of primary bone cancer include:

  1. Bone pain: Persistent, worsening pain in the affected bone is a common symptom. The pain may initially be intermittent but gradually become more constant.
  2. Swelling and tenderness: The area where the cancer is located may exhibit swelling, tenderness, and a palpable lump or mass.
  3. Fractures: Weakening of the bone due to the presence of cancer can lead to bone fractures, even with minor trauma or stress.
  4. Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue, weakness, and weight loss may occur in some cases.
  5. Limited mobility: Depending on the location of the tumor, limited movement or difficulty in performing daily activities may be observed.

As for the diagnosis, it typically involves multiple steps:

  1. Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination to assess the affected area.
  2. Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or bone scans are commonly used to identify any abnormalities, determine the location of the tumor, and assess its size and extent.
  3. Biopsy: A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. It involves the removal of a small sample of the affected bone or tumor, which is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
  4. Laboratory tests: Blood tests can be conducted to measure certain markers that indicate bone turnover or to test for specific genetic abnormalities associated with bone cancer.

  5. Staging: Once the diagnosis is confirmed, further tests like PET scans or bone scans may be conducted to determine the stage of cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

It’s important to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms or have any specific medical concerns.

Is there a link between button pain and cancer?

Buttock pain can have various causes, including:

  1. Muscle strain or overuse
  2. Sciatica, which is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve
  3. Piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve
  4. Herniated disc in the lower back
  5. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  6. Arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  7. Infection, like an abscess or cellulitis
  8. Pelvic conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

it’s important to note that buttock pain is rarely a direct symptom of primary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer usually presents with localized pain and swelling at the site of the tumor, along with other symptoms like fractures or bone deformities.

Buttock pain can be a symptom of cancer metastases (when cancer spreads to other parts of the body). However, buttock pain alone is unlikely to be the only symptom of metastatic cancer. Other signs typically include weight loss, fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder function, and a general decline in health.

Buttock pain can also be caused by ovarian cancer or prostate cancer, but it is not a specific or definitive symptom of these cancers. Ovarian cancer may present with abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, and changes in urinary or bowel habits. Prostate cancer may cause symptoms like urinary problems, erectile dysfunction, or bone pain in the hips, back, or pelvis.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe buttock pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and order relevant tests such as imaging (X-rays, MRI) or blood tests to determine the underlying cause.

What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?

Treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage and extent of the disease. The most common treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery, which may involve removing tumors, removing the affected section of the colon, reattaching healthy ends of the intestines, and removing nearby lymph nodes. In rare cases, the entire colon may need to be removed[1][2]. Patients may receive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy before and/or after surgery for colorectal cancer[1][3][2].

Other treatment options for colorectal cancer include immunotherapy, biological therapy, biosimilars, liver-directed therapy, radiofrequency ablation, cryosurgery, targeted therapy, and clinical trials[1][3][4][5][6]. The specific course of treatment will depend on the exact location of the cancer and how early it was found.

Treatment for colon cancer may also include endoscopic treatment[2]. The higher stages of cancer require advanced treatment options[3]. People with stage II colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about whether more treatment is needed[6]. It is important to discuss treatment options with a multidisciplinary care team, a group of doctors who specialize in various fields of medicine related to treating cancer of the colon or rectum[1].

Citations:
[1] https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/treatments
[2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colon-cancer/colon-cancer-treatment
[3] https://www.ccalliance.org/colorectal-cancer-information/treatments
[4] https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facing-colorectal-cancer/diagnosis-and-treatment/know-your-treatment-options/
[5] https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq
[6] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/types-treatment

By Perplexity at https://www.perplexity.ai/search/46847b64-b568-4861-935e-79867feb004d

Breast cancer: ribociclib reduces the risk of recurrence by 25%

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and is responsible for a significant number of deaths. Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer is one of the most common subtypes of breast cancer and is typically treated with a combination of hormone therapy and chemotherapy. However, despite the advances in breast cancer treatment, many patients still experience recurrence of their cancer, which poses a significant clinical challenge.

Ribociclib is a targeted therapy drug that has shown promising results in reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. In clinical studies, ribociclib has been shown to inhibit the activity of CDK4/6, which controls the cell cycle of cancer cells. When used in combination with other treatments, such as hormone therapy, ribociclib has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by up to 25%.

It is worth noting that ribociclib is not suitable for all breast cancer patients. It is typically prescribed for those with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer who have not yet received any treatment or who have already received treatment with hormone therapy, but whose cancer has progressed despite this treatment. Ribociclib can cause side effects, as is the case with most drugs, and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are considering this treatment. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best treatments for your specific situation, as well as any clinical trials that may be available to you.

Sources:

1 novartis

2 asco

3 theguardian

4 cnn

5 everydayhealth

Osimertinib has been shown to halve the risk of death from certain lung cancers when taken daily after surgery

Certainly! The discovery and development of effective cancer treatments is a crucial area of research, as cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Osimertinib is a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting the activity of a specific protein that is commonly found in certain types of lung cancer cells. This protein helps the cancer cells grow and divide, so by blocking its activity, osimertinib can slow the progression of the disease.

The study that was published recently looked at the use of osimertinib in patients with stage II to IIIA non-small-cell lung carcinoma who had undergone surgery to remove the tumor. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either osimertinib or a placebo for up to three years. The researchers found that those who took osimertinib had a significantly lower risk of their cancer returning or of death compared to those who took the placebo.

One of the benefits of targeted therapies like osimertinib is that they tend to have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, which can cause damage to healthy cells in addition to cancer cells. This can improve the overall quality of life for patients undergoing treatment and make it easier for them to manage the side effects that do occur.

Overall, the study provides a promising new treatment option for patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma who have undergone surgery. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of long-term osimertinib use, this study represents an important step forward in the fight against cancer.

1 cancerresearchuk

2 cancer

3 nejm

Home-grown plants may help reduce cancer risks

Sydney: Planting plants in homes can help reduce your risk of developing cancer, according to a study.

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, in collaboration with a company called Embius, found that home plants can clear toxic vapors, including cancer-causing particles, from the building.

In the first study of its kind, the ability of plants to purify gasoline vapor was tested. This evaporation is one of the main causes of toxic compounds in buildings around the world.

The plants studied had cleared 97 percent of the harmful vapors from the air in just eight hours.

According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution caused 3.2 million premature deaths in 2020.

The inhalation of gasoline vapor can cause inflammation, headache and nausea in the lungs. Prolonged exposure to these vapours is associated with an increased risk of cancer, asthma and other chronic diseases.

University researchers claim that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, offices or schools, so improving air quality is important.

According to the researchers, there are garages with many job sites, homes and even schools, or these buildings are along a busy road or near a petrol station, as a result of which people in these buildings are exposed to petrol-related chemicals on a daily basis.

For the research, they built nine green walls. It is a vertical structure to which different plants and or greenery are attached.

Low hemoglobin and cancer : How often is anemia a symptom of cancer?

Anemia is usually a simple symptom to cure. It may, however, conceal cancers of the large intestine, stomach, ovary, kidney, lung, prostate, cervix, and other organs; thus, medical diagnostics should be especially comprehensive in this situation.

A complete blood count is one of the most fundamental preventive exams, and its results might raise the possibility of a variety of health problems, including cancer. Hemoglobin (Hb) is one of the most crucial metrics to pay close attention to.

Low hemoglobin and cancer

Low levels of hemoglobin (Hb), the oxygen-carrying protein present in red blood cells, are a sign of anemia. Anemia is a typical symptom of cancer development in the body and can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment. It is estimated that more than 40% of patients will experience it.

Of course, there are many other possible reasons for anemia (such as a poor diet or pregnancy), so additional diagnosis is required if blood test results are unsatisfactory. Adult men should have hemoglobin levels above 14 g/dl, while women should have levels above 12 g/dl.

What cancers can low hemoglobin indicate?

Low hemoglobin, indicative of anemia, is most common in  cancers such as:

  • colorectal cancer ,
  • cervical cancer ,
  • stomach cancer ,
  • lung cancer ,
  • kidney cancer ,
  • ovarian cancer ,
  • prostate cancer,
  • melanoma ,
  • leukemias ,
  • lymphomas .

It is believed that, in fact, all types of cancer can cause anemia. However, some increase this risk.

Anemia associated with cancer may result from various causes, such as:

  • bleeding (e.g. cancer in the reproductive tract, digestive or respiratory system),
  • iron, folic acid or vitamin B 12 deficiency , but also protein or vitamin B 6 deficiency – e.g. due to malabsorption or nutritional disorders, 
  • bone marrow damage during oncological treatment,
  • bone marrow infiltration or metastases,
  • hemolysis , i.e.  the passage of hemoglobin into the blood plasma caused by damage to the erythrocytes  (e.g. in lymphoma),
  • impaired erythropoiesis , i.e. the formation and multiplication of red blood cells (in various cancers)

Low hemoglobin and cancer. What does the MCV tell us?

Low hemoglobin indicates anemia, and the red blood cell volume (MCV) is an important parameter that can help identify the source of the condition. Microcytosis is typical of iron deficiency anemia, while macrocytosis occurs when there is a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12. Normally sized blood cells are found in chronic diseases.

Low iron levels and cancer

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, accounting for 80% of all cases. A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that people with iron deficiency anemia have a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly pancreatic, kidney, liver and bladder cancer. Low iron levels can also indicate the presence of cancer. Bleeding can occur from the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, kidneys and lungs.

What cancers cause low iron levels?

Low iron levels can indicate the development of cancers such as:

  • gastrointestinal cancers (e.g. colon cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer),
  • pancreatic cancer,
  • cancers of the genitourinary system (e.g. cervical cancer),
  • respiratory cancer (e.g. lung cancer),
  • blood cancers.

Oncological treatment may also contribute to iron deficiency, which is often the result of a weakened appetite or damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Anemia and cancer : What tests to do?

To begin, stool tests are performed numerous times to check for the presence of occult blood (which cannot be seen) and endoscopic examinations, which show the anatomy of nearly the whole digestive tract from the inside (except for the small intestine, which fortunately is rarely the site of tumor development). 

Urinalysis to detect the presence of red blood cells in the urine is recommended, and a gynecological examination is also recommended in women. Only after diagnosing the cause can suitable treatment, such as iron preparations, be implemented.