Understanding the basics of your upcoming cancer treatment will make it less daunting.

We’ve all heard of it. If you know cancer, you may have experienced it. But for some people, chemotherapy is something they know little about. The Do You Know Cancer team wanted to provide a post highlighting the ins and outs of chemo, for those who know cancer, as well as for those who know a loved one or friend who may be undergoing chemo. Think how important it will be to your friend when you can talk with them about their chemotherapy treatment – being able to understand what a person with cancer is going through often makes a world of difference.

Chemotherapy is loosely defined as any type of medicine given to a patient suffering from cancer, with the goal of destroying cancerous cells. It was first used in the fifties, and today, there are over 100 chemotherapy drugs. The type of chemo drug administered depends on the type of cancer a person has and what stage their cancer is in. Oncologist use chemo drugs to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body and/or to slow the growth of a cancerous tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy can cure a person’s cancer. This, of course, depends on the type of cancer and how early it was treated.

In some cases, a person who knows cancer may only undergo chemotherapy, and not other anticancer treatments such as radiation. In certain instances, however, chemo may be a prelude to other therapies – for example, a doctor may try administering chemo to shrink a patient’s tumor prior to radiation or surgery. It may also be utilized after surgery or radiation, as a means of killing off any cancerous cells that are still present. Chemotherapy is probably the anticancer therapy used most often by oncologists. This is because the right combination of chemo drugs can be extremely successful.

Chemo is typically administered into a patient’s veins, through an IV. This is called Intravenous Chemotherapy. Some forms of chemo are administered into the chest, spine, or abdomen. Some patients with advanced cancer have what’s known as a “port” [short for Portcath] installed in their body, so that doctors do not have to insert a needle each time the patient must receive chemo. A port makes receiving chemo easier on the patient, although they may experience some discomfort following insertion of their port. Delivery of chemo through a port is said to be more efficient and less harmful to the body, as it delivers the drugs via the circulatory system – this means that chemo drugs do not have to pass through precious tissue, like the muscle and skin [these can be damaged by toxic chemo].

Some chemotherapy is available in pill form. Patients who receive chemo in this way can often take the pills at home, with limited interruption to their daily routine.

The frequency of chemo treatments varies. Some people may receive daily chemo for an extended period of time if their cancer is particularly aggressive and is thought to be spreading. Some people may only receive chemo once a week, or once per month. It depends on the type of cancer and the stage that the cancer is in. Patients receive a break between chemo sessions, to give their body time to build new, healthy cells. This break is a much-needed respite, as it allows the patient some time to recover from the often painful and annoying side effects of chemotherapy. A patient may have to undergo multiple sessions of chemotherapy [called "rounds" of chemo] if their cancer fails to respond to the first treatment.

The process of administering chemo is not particularly painful, as it is just like having blood drawn. However, having blood drawn daily can become painful after awhile, and that is when a doctor may decide to install a port device to lessen the pain felt by the patient each time they must receive chemo. Some patients reported a cool sensation during the treatment, similar to the feeling when receiving saline solution through an IV. Others felt a burning sensation, or pain – any sensation should be reported to a doctor or nurse, as this may signal a problem with the treatment.

Many people who know cancer and undergo chemo say that, if it weren’t for the side effects, they’d be able to continue living life normally, without much interruption. It is often these side effects that prevent people from following their routine. Depending on the frequency of chemo treatments, the dosage, the type of chemo being administered, and the aggressiveness of a patient’s treatment regime, some may be able go about their lives more easily than others. Some patients remain in the hospital throughout their course of treatment, while others [even those receiving chemo through an IV or port] can return home and travel to the hospital or medical center only for chemotherapy sessions. Those taking chemo pills do not have to return to the hospital to receive chemo, as they can take the pills at home on their own.

Side effects of chemo include extreme fatigue, nausea, and others. Most people equate chemo treatment with losing one’s hair. This is often the case. Some patients opt to shave their head prior to beginning chemotherapy, so that the loss of their hair is less surprising.

The cost of chemo treatment depends on the type of drug being administered, how much, how often, and for how long. It may also depend on where the oncologist or treatment center gets their drugs from. Some health insurance plans will cover chemo treatment, to some extent. A patient who must undergo chemo and has questions about whether or not their insurance will cover the cost [which can be quite high, depending on the situation] should call their insurance company, as well as the American Cancer Society – some patients may be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act [1-800-227-2345].

Most cancer centers have a person who specializes in assisting families with the cost of treatment. This individual can help a person with cancer locate financial and other resources, and can provide qualification information for those who are interested in Medicare or Medicaid. It’s no secret that treating cancer is expensive – but there are resources for people who need them.

The American Cancer Society has compiled a “checklist” of sorts, for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are going to begin chemotherapy. It’s an excellent resource for those who want to ask the right questions of their treatment team. Here’s our version -

Pre-Chemo Checklist

Why am I undergoing chemo? In other words – what’s the goal of chemo treatment?

Can chemo potentially cure my cancer?

Do I have other options for treating my cancer besides chemo?

If chemo does not work, what are my options?

How much will this cost? What financial resources are available to me to cut costs?

How often will I be receiving chemo?

Will you be administering chemo intravenously, or do I have another option?

How should I prepare for treatment?

I am currently on other medications – will I experience any type of interaction once I begin chemo?

What side effects should I prepare for? How do I ease the discomfort I may experience?

Do you think I will also need surgery or radiation therapy?

Will I be able to continue working, etc?

The best advice to any new cancer patient, especially those who will be undergoing chemo, is to ask a lot of questions before beginning treatment. An informed patient is an empowered patient, and a person who feels empowered, confident and in control is more likely to have a successful course of treatment.

Source:

American Cancer Society

What was it about ancient lifestyle's that prevented them from knowing cancer?

A team of researchers and scientists from Manchester University in the United Kingdom recently studied over 1,000 ancient mummies in Egypt and South America in an effort to better understand cancer, and were surprised to discover that cancer was only present in one mummy! The study, researchers say, prove that cancer is a “man-made disease,” attributed to poor lifestyle choices and pollution, and that cancer is not a “naturally occurring” illness.

The findings mimic what many doctors in the cancer field have been saying for years – that cancer can be completely avoided if a person adopts a healthy, anticancer lifestyle.

Very few mentions of cancer in general were made in ancient writings up until the Industrial Revolution, which tells historians that cancer simply did not exist, or at least not on a very large scale.  As time has progressed, cancer has become something that everyone understands, and it now accounts for one of every three deaths worldwide.

Professor Rosalie David, who participated in the study, calls cancer a disease of “industrialized societies,” and states that, contrary to what many people believe, “there is nothing in the natural environment that can cause cancer.”

“It [cancer] has to be a man-made disease, down to pollution and changes to our diet and lifestyle,” Professor David reports.

While some experts in the field of cancer research are skeptical about this research, Dr. Rachel Thompson of the World Cancer Research Fund calls it “interesting,” and admits that the most important things that people can do in an effort to decrease their cancer risk include a “healthy diet, regular physical activity” and maintaining a healthy weight. Doing so, says Dr. Thompson, “can prevent about a third of the most common cancers.”

“Perhaps our ancestors’ lifestyle reduced their risk from cancer,” the doctor goes on to say.

The research involved two parts: in-depth study of ancient literature, and medical examinations of ancient remains of both humans and animals from the Jurassic period up until the start of the Industrial Revolution [about 1760]. Cancer was only found in one mummy, from Egypt. Ancient texts from Greece and Egypt rarely, if ever, mentioned illnesses that researchers would assume to be cancer. However, the Greeks were reportedly the first culture to specifically identify cancer as a disease as far back as 410 B.C. Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” used the words carcinos [which means "crab"] and the word carcinoma to describe various inflammations and tumors. The Greeks also seemed to understand that cancer could spread, and made mention of a mastectomy-like procedure to cure patient’s with a lump in their breast.

Despite mention of carcinos, “in ancient times, it [cancer] was extremely rare,” says Professor David.

The study does mention that, in ancient times, people may not have survived long enough to develop cancer, but that the increase in cancer cases throughout the last hundred years cannot necessarily be attributed to people living longer. The first noticeable increase in cancer, especially childhood cancers, was evident after the Industrial Revolution. If you believe that cancer is, essentially, a product of lifestyle changes and industry, then this makes sense. The Industrial Revolution represented a shift from manual labor to an economy based on machine manufacturing and factory work. It began with the mechanization of many industries, especially the textile industry, and also included the introduction of steam power, increased use of coal, the development of noisy machinery, and the mass-production of factories.

If you remember learning about the Industrial Revolution in school, you know that the building of factories caused people to relocate from suburban areas to cities. This resulted in overcrowding and less-than-desirable living situations. People who went to work in factories knew that they were dirty, noisy, unsafe places. Most of these factory workers returned home at the end of the day to crowded, dirty living quarters. The shift from quiet, self-sufficient suburban living to the industrialized urban lifestyle may also represent the beginning of cancer as we know it today.

Historian James Olson, of Sam Houston State University in Texas, who opposes the recent study, says that it is “controversial” to suggest that pollution and lifestyle choices are the sole reasons why cancer is such a global issue.  But Professor David and another participant, Professor Michael Zimmerman of Villanova University, say that “modern carcinogens” may very well be the reason why cancer has become so prevalent. Smoking, poor diet and a lack of physicial activity, they say, are the reason why people today are more likely to know cancer.

People hundreds of years ago likely worked on their feet all day, and then spent long hours tending to household chores. Ancient people did not have the option of swinging through a drive-thru window when they were hungry, and ate a more balanced diet of meat, vegetables and grains. Tobacco was used hundreds of years ago, of course, but the cigarettes of centuries ago did not contain the hazardous chemicals that today’s cigarettes do.

No matter what you choose to believe about why cancer exists, one thing is certain. Living a healthy lifestyle and limiting your exposure to pollution and other toxins will dramatically reduce your risk of knowing cancer.

The Manchester University study was published in the journal Nature Reviews Cancer.

Sources:

CNN Health

TopNews UK

Marie Claire UK

Oatmeal Supreme

Oatmeal is an excellent way to kick-start your morning. It’s great for people who want to eat a hearty breakfast and stay full right up until lunchtime, too. We recommend purchasing plain oatmeal – plain, instant oatmeal packets for those of you with limited time in the AM to make breakfast – and adding the following:

Raw, unsalted almond slices

Flaxseed

Organic strawberries, sliced

Dried walnuts

Dark chocolate shavings [the chocolate should be more than 70% cocoa]

Agave nectar or Stevia for sweetness

You can combine all of the above, and mix it up so that your oatmeal is never boring. Adding some vanilla or almond-flavored soy milk is also a delicious and protein-packed alternative to using water.

Anticancer Omelette

This is a great option for ANY meal – not just breakfast! Start with omega-3 eggs, and mix in one or more of the following:

Organic chicken chunks

Organic tofu or tempeh [great for vegetarians or those who have been instructed to avoid meat]

Bok Choy

Broccoli

Spinach [fresh, if you can find it, but some brands of frozen spinach offer the same nutritional benefits]

Curry [if you're brave!]

Shallots or leeks, chopped

Shitake, Enoki, Portobello or Oyster mushrooms, chopped

Use a little bit of organic skim milk – mix with the omega-3 eggs [preferably the egg whites only] and drizzle a little olive oil in the pan before pouring in the egg mixture. Let the eggs firm up a bit, then toss in your add-ins! A cup of Greek yogurt on the side with some sliced, organic berries is a nice complement to your Anticancer Omelette.

Cancer-Fighting Veggie Breakfast Pizza

Start with a personal-sized whole grain pizza crust [you can find these in your grocery store, or make your own at home!]. Drizzle some olive oil over the crust, and add the following:

Soy cheese, grated [this is usually in the refrigerated area of your grocer's natural foods section]

Spinach, chopped

Broccoli, chopped

Flaxseed [sprinkle over the top]

Pop crust into the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, and you have a delicious – and filling – breakfast pizza that’s great for people who have to eat their breakfast on their way to work.

Scramble for a Cure Scrambled Egg Burrito

Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple for many of us, but on busy mornings, you may not have the time to sit down and eat your eggs the traditional way – on a plate! Take them to go in a burrito! Start with a whole grain tortilla – toss it on a cookie sheet and let it warm up in the oven on 350 degrees for just a few minutes. While the tortilla is heating up, scramble your omega-3 eggs in a pan with a little bit of organic skim milk and a handful of soy cheddar cheese. Remove the tortilla from the oven, and spread on a thin layer of all-natural hummus. Add the eggs, some fresh herbs [oregano or parsley] and wrap it up – for easy transport, wrap some aluminum foil around the outside of your “burrito” before you head out!

Berrylicious Anticancer Yogurt

Greek yogurt makes a great breakfast – not to mention a tasty dessert option! If you prefer regular yogurt, choose an organic yogurt [or soy yogurt]. About one cup is a good serving size. Add the following, and you have a sweet treat:

Sliced organic strawberries, blueberries or cherries

Sliced raw, unsalted almonds

Sliced bananas

Dried pecans, finely chopped

Top it off with a sprinkle of flaxseed. You can even layer the yogurt, fruit and nuts parfait-style. A slice of whole grain toast with almond butter is a nice addition to this breakfast.

What are your favorite anticancer breakfast meals?

Dr. Kurt Kroenke, who participated in the study, screened over four hundred cancer patients who had reported pain or depression. He presented them with 22 side effects, and asked them if they experienced any of them. More than half said “Yes” to at least fifteen of the side effects, and all of the patients studied said “Yes” to at least one.

Almost 98% of cancer sufferers studied said they experienced fatigue. Close to 80% had difficulty sleeping, and about the same percentage reported pain in their joints and/or limbs. Over 70% said they had issues with memory loss [remember our recent post about Chemo Brain?] and 75% were struggling with back pain. Patients with cancer and depression also reported that they spent an average of 5.6 days in bed and approximately 11 days of limited activity due to their side effects within a four-week period.

Dr. Kroenke, who had his findings published in yesterday’s issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, says that, all too often, the aforementioned “somatic symptoms” are not handled properly by a cancer patient’s oncologist.

Feeling tired and depressed? Tell your doctor.

“This study strengthens the case for improving the recognition and treatment” of these 22 symptoms, he believes. The presence of these symptoms often renders a cancer patient disabled, causing them to take time off from work and make frequent – and expensive – trips to the doctor. Many suffer so much as a result of these somatic symptoms that they are forced to visit the emergency room.

In order for a cancer patient to be able to maintain some quality of life while fighting their disease, doctors must address the patient’s “secondary symptoms,” which include all of the above. Chronic fatigue, however, is one of the most common issues faced by those who know cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. As many as 96% of patients with cancer face fatigue, and if ignored, this can become a serious detriment to a patient’s treatment.

The most important thing to remember, according to researchers and treatment experts, is that a person who knows cancer must not hesitate to report any and all symptoms and side effects to their doctor. This way, everyone is on the same page, and all secondary somatic symptoms can be addressed immediately.

Sources:

National Cancer Institute

AZCentral.com

Malignant Meningioma: this type of cancer is extremely rare, and it occurs when a fast-growing tumor forms on the meninges, or membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain. This cancer is typically diagnosed in middle-aged women, but accounts for only five percent of all meningiomas. It can spread to other parts of the body. In general, doctors cannot diagnose this type of cancer before operating and examining the tumor – some patients must undergo several operations, as well as radiation. Sometimes, doctors can remove the tumor completely, but it depends on the location of the tumor. These types of tumors are usually treated by an oncologist as well as a neurosurgeon. A great resource for Meningioma information can be found by visiting the Massachusetts General Hospital Neurological Service website.

Nodular Melanoma: this is the most rare form of melanoma, and is also considered the most deadly. It accounts for less than twenty percent of all melanoma cases. It can be found on any part of the body and is more frequently diagnosed in men. Typically, patients with this form of cancer are older than sixty. Nodular melanoma grows more quickly than other melanomas, and the tumors associated with this cancer are said to be much thicker [that is, they penetrate the skin more deeply] than other melanomas. Unlike other melanomas, this type of cancer does not always manifest on a mole that already exists – it may show up in a spot where the individual never had a mole or lesion before. The nodular melanoma prognosis is generally grim, as it takes much longer for people to notice this form of cancer than others. Nodular melanoma, or NM, is characterized by a dark-pigmented, dome-shaped mole or lesion. A good rule of thumb from SkinCancerNet: if you notice a new mole or lesion where one did not previously exist, call a dermatologist immediately.

Rhabdomyosarcoma: a rare cancer that occurs in the muscle tissue. You may remember that this is the form of cancer that took the life of young Ellie Shoal Potvin, who we featured in a previous news post. It is found most often in the arms, legs, urogenital tract, or head and neck of young children. It is especially rare in adults. Diagnosis of this form of cancer is often delayed, as there may be few symptoms. This is a problem, as rhabdomyosarcoma is aggressive and the tumors grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body rapidly. Oncologists do not yet know what causes this cancer; in fact, most children with this disease do not have any risk factors – not even genetic mutations. Chemotherapy is generally recommended for children with rhabdomyosarcoma. If the cancer is discovered early enough, most children will survive and enter into remission, but if the cancer spreads, as Ellie Potvin’s did, it is often difficult to treat. More information can be found by visiting Lift Up Ellie.

Ewing’s Sarcoma: this form of cancer is usually found in long, flat bones of children and adolescents, but some adults also develop this disease. It is characterized by small, circular tumors. The most common locations for Ewing’s Sarcoma are the pelvis, the “trunk,” and the thigh. Unlike other types of cancer, that begin somewhere else and then spread to the bones, Ewing’s Sarcoma manifests in the bone [it is therefore classified as a "Primary Bone Cancer"]. Doctors do not know what causes this cancer. Symptoms include pain and swelling at the site of the tumor. Because it can spread, even when the tumor is quite small [known as "microscopic spread"] oncologists prefer to treat patients with chemotherapy, which addresses the entire body, as well as radiation to the tumor site. Some patients also undergo surgery. Sometimes, Ewing’s Sarcoma can weaken the bones, causing bone fractures. If a patient is diagnosed in the earliest stages and undergoes chemo, the survival rate associated with this cancer is promising, but if the cancer has spread, it may be difficult to treat.

Malignant Mesothelioma: you may have seen commercials on TV mentioning this form of cancer, which is caused by asbestos exposure. It is generally diagnosed in middle aged men, but in the past decade, more cases in women have been reported. People who worked with asbestos or asbestos products are at a higher risk of developing this cancer. There are three types: Pleural Mesothelioma, which occurs in the mesothelium, or lining, of the lungs and is the most common form of this cancer; Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the abdomen, and Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is especially rare and is discovered in the lining of the heart. Symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to symptoms of the flu or lung cancer, and so it may be difficult to diagnose. In fact, countless people receive a mis-diagnosis when their mesothelioma cancer is in the earliest stages [when it is easiest to treat] and by the time their oncologist is able to accurately diagnose them, it is too late. There is no cure for this cancer, and it is known to be aggressive and extremely tedious to treat. Less than 2,500 Americans are diagnosed annually. For more information, we recommend visiting the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center.

Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor: known as MMMT, this is a rare form of cancer found in the uterus. It is comprised of a mix of sarcoma and carcinoma cells. There are two known types: Homologous MMMT, which is found in the smoother uterine tissues, and Heterologous MMMT, which is located in the skin, muscle or bones outside of the uterus. It is usually discovered in post menopausal women older than 65. Some physicians believe that previous Tamoxifen therapy may be a risk factor for this form of cancer. Other doctors report that women who are obese, have had previous adenocarcinomas, and may have had estrogen therapy are at an increased risk of receiving an MMMT diagnosis.

The lesson that we can learn from study of the rarest forms of cancer is to pay attention to your body, and see your doctor if you notice any type of change.

Source:

Rare-Cancer.org

Scientists report that a new diagnostic technique called Partial Wave Spectroscopic, or PWS Microscopy, is able to detect the presence of lung cancer. A group of NorthShore University and New York University researchers, including engineers and doctors, released their findings in this month’s issue of Cancer Research.

The process involves swabbing a person’s cheek and then shining a special light on the extracted cells. Dr. Hemant Roy of NorthShore University HealthSystems and the University of Chicago, calls PWS Microscopy “important because it provides the proof of concept that a minimally intrusive technique may allow us to tailor screening for lung cancer.”

He goes on to remind people that lung cancer is the leading cause of death for Americans. This year alone, the American Cancer Society predicts that at least 160,000 people will die as a result. Since 2003, just shy of one million Americans have died from lung cancer. It is really no surprise, considering the number of people who are longterm cigarette smokers and tobacco users. However, people who have never smoked can also get lung cancer.

The study of PWS Microscopy is just one of many studies of the effectiveness of “light-scattering analysis technique,” and studies specific to the detection of colon and pancreatic cancer have also been completed. Since 2002, Dr. Roy and his partner and co-author of the most recent study, BioEngineer Vadim Backman, have been working tirelessly with funding from grants to perfect the diagnostic technique.

“The results have even larger implications in that the techniques could be applied to a multitude of epithelial cancers, the most common cancer type,” says an expert who has long supported the studies.

Research indicates that PWS Microscopy and the similar technologies that came before it, including four-dimensional elastic light scattering fingerprinting [4D-ELF] and low-coherence enhanced backscattering [LEBS] can show just what happens to a cell when cancer is present within the body. It allows doctors to distinguish “affected cells” [which includes unhealthy cells that are not part of a malignant tumor] from normal cells. The affected cells have molecules that have undergone a change that allows light to filter through the cell, which tells diagnostic technicians that something is awry. It’s called the “Field Effect,” and these new techniques allow doctors to determine whether or not cancer is present by using cells in the cheek – far away from cells that have been invaded by cancer in the lungs.

The latest technique, according to Backman, “detects cellular alterations at the nanoscale” in cells that, under a microscope, might appear normal. The changes in cells of patients with lung, pancreatic and colon cancer happen early, so Backman believes that it is important to continue developing this kind of diagnostic procedure in an effort to diagnose patients as early as possible, when the cancer is most easily treated.

There are a few different types of lung cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, or NSCLC, which accounts for almost 80% of all lung cancer. Small Cell Lung Cancer, or SCLC, is generally caused by smoking cigarettes. Symptoms of lung cancer in general include chest pain, persistent cough, chronic bronchitis or other lung problems, blood-containing mucus or phlegm, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. People with undiagnosed lung cancer may also begin to lose weight, experience headaches or joint pain, have swelling in their face or neck, and may feel weak and tired. These symptoms are similar to symptoms of less serious conditions, including the flu or pneumonia, so it is important to report these types of warning signs to your physician – especially if you are or were a smoker or user of tobacco.

Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, accounting for close to 90% of all cases. Secondhand smoke exposure actually increases a person’s risk of lung cancer by up to 30%! Other risk factors include asbestos exposure, which causes a fatal cancer known as malignant mesothelioma, of which there are three types. Exposure to air pollution, radiation, and having a history of Tuberculosis can also lead to lung cancer. Some people are diagnosed as a result of their genetic history.

If you would consider yourself a longtime smoker or user of tobacco, screening for lung cancer is crucial. After age 60, it is recommended that you undergo screenings, which may include a CT scan. Other diagnostic techniques include a biopsy or chest X-ray, and now, tests involving light-scattering procedures.

For now, patients with lung cancer, as well as the doctors and scientists who study the disease, remain hopeful that new diagnostic procedures will result in more patients receiving their diagnosis in the earliest stages of the disease.

The National Science Foundation has provided grants to fund the aforementioned research.

Sources:

National Science Foundation

LungCancer.com

A report published in the most recent issue of Proceedings of  the National Academy of Sciences reveals that a “novel monoclonal antibody” can effectively prevent terminal cancer from advancing further. So far, the testing has been restricted to mice, says researcher Dr. Robert Debs of the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, but results of the tests are promising.

“Our research shows that a novel monoclonal antibody can help block the terminal stage of cancer,” said Dr. Debs. “It does not produce any obvious toxic effects,” he goes on to say, even when it is administered in mice with “highly advanced” cancer.

“Rather, it helps to treat the progressive weight loss associated with advanced cancers,” he said, which is encouraging for those who know cancer and have suffered from the effects of cancer-caused weight loss.

Known as Cachexia, progressive weight loss during a battle with cancer is characterized by weakness and loss of the body’s fat and muscle. What many people may not know is that, for some people who know cancer, Cachexia and Anorexia go hand-in-hand. Some studies indicate that as many as 25% of cancer patients are anorexic when they receive their diagnosis. Many oncologists discover that their patients become anorexic at some point during their cancer treatment as well. Two-thirds of all cancer sufferers experience Cachexia when their cancer is in the most advanced stages, and it is important to understand that this disorder is very different from Anorexia. While patients with Anorexia starve themselves, those who Cachexia experience a change in their metabolism which causes their body to use the calories they take in ineffectively. In other words, patients with Cachexia are still eating, but their body is refusing to utilize the calories and nutrients it is receiving.

Monoclonal antibodies are genetically engineered in a laboratory, and are created from a single clone of cells that are all identical. They are manufactured for use against certain proteins – namely, the proteins responsible for the growth of cancerous cells. Scientists say that terminal cancer cells are motivated by what is known as PECAM-1, or “platelet endothelial cell adhesion-1 molecule.” PECAM-I monitors the levels of proteins that encourage cancer growth. By genetically engineering a monoclonal antibody to specifically block PECAM-I, Dr. Debs and his researchers have been able to create a treatment that can treat patients with advanced, terminal cancer.

In the past, researchers have had a tendency to focus on studying cancers that can be cured, and not as much time had been designated for trying to better-understand cancer in its most advanced stages. Generally, cancer is considered to be in the advanced stage when it has spread to other parts of the body – it is then that many oncologists tell their patients that their cancer is untreatable. Cancer that has spread usually destroys a person’s vital organs. Dr. Debs hopes that his research will change the way scientists and cancer researchers view the study of terminal cancers.

“The anti-PECAM-1 antibody is very exciting because it shows effectiveness against a number of terminal cancers, and also concurrently shows the debilitating wasting syndrome that can develop as cancerous tumors become destructive,” he said.

How does the anti-PECAM-1 antibody work?

The anti-PECAM-1 antibody fuses to a protein located on the surface of the cells that line normal, healthy blood vessels – it does not bind to cancer tumor cells. The protein targeted by the anti-PECAM-1 antibody is responsible for controlling the secretion of “growth factors,” which regulate the growth of malignant tumors. So far, anti-PECAM-1 has shown to be effective against mice with colon cancer, breast cancer and melanoma.

“This is the first step,” said Dr. Debs. He is confident that his research has the ability to “significantly improve the lives of patients now suffering hopelessly from terminal cancer.”

Dr. Michael Rowbotham, who works with Dr. Debs, agrees. “Identifying these growth promoting factors represents an important advance” in the treatment of “hopeless” cancers.

There are a number of cancers that do not have a cure, and are considered fatal, including prostate cancer, malignant mesothelioma, certain skin cancers, and colon cancer.

The researchers are hopeful that they will begin testing anti-PECAM-1 on human patients within the next two years. This is good news for many in the cancer community, as anti-PECAM-1 treatment may not only extend the lives of patients with terminal cancers, but it may also improve the lives of patients who are dealing with the effects of Cachexia.

Source:

California Pacific Medical Center

Continuum Cancer Centers of New York

Some hospitals, including the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, are heavily promoting NanoKnife, despite the fact that it has been tested on a very small number of human patients. It has been tested on animals, according to AngioDynamics Inc., NanoKnife manufacturer. The Queensbury, New York-based company admits that it has not conducted “randomized, controlled clinical trials, the so-called gold standard studies,” but calls NanoKnife “a very promising technology for treating cancer.”

Other hospitals using NanoKnife include Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkansas and Shands Hospital in Florida. The University of Miami NanoKnife ad claims that the device offers “real hope” to people who know cancer, especially lung, liver and kidney cancer, and they promise that patients will experience “almost no side effects.” Reported side effects include rapid heartbeat [due to electric volts] and serious Hemothorax, or a build-up of blood between the lungs and the chest wall. Only one case of Hemothorax was reported to the FDA in July of this year, and the patient was hospitalized for over two weeks. Oncologists say that the NanoKnife “probably” caused a puncture wound during the procedure, but that this type of incident is common in therapies similar to NanoKnife.

So, what’s the problem? Many researchers are concerned that hospitals and cancer treatment centers are putting the cart before the horse. The NanoKnife has treated only 300 cancer patients worldwide, according to AngioDynamics, Inc. Chief Executive Jan Keltjens. It has been used in only five non-U.S. hospitals, but doctors who have used it say it has saved the lives of their patients, including some with incurable prostate cancer. While this is good news, Keltjens says that he does not have anything to do with the promotional efforts of hospitals like the University of Miami, saying that the hospital’s ads “are not something we are happy about,” and declining to comment on the company’s PR efforts in general.

Complications related to NanoKnife treatment have only been reported in a small number of human patients, but doctors still worry that it just hasn’t been tested enough yet, and should undergo more thorough safety testing before it is used in cancer centers to treat people who know cancer.

Riad Salem is one of those physicians who is concerned about NanoKnife. As the Chief of Interventional Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Salem believes that NanoKnife “is being widely adopted prior to having gone through the necessary rigors” of highly controlled studies. He calls concerns about the treatment a “growing concern” in his field.

The NanoKnife zaps cancer tumors with electricity in an effort to kill them off. It looks a bit like a cutting-edge kitchen appliance, with two thin, long needles. The “electrode needles” are attached to an apparatus the size of a mini-fridge. The needles are inserted into the patient’s tumor, and electricity flows from one needle to the other, which create tiny holes within the cancer cells that then go to work destroying the malignancy.

NanoKnife has escaped the strict regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, which often studies and must approve cancer treatment devices.  The FDA will approve certain technologies for use if they are similar to other devices already available. Many people call this an unsafe “shortcut” that allows potentially unsafe devices to slip through the cracks. However, AdvaMed, a medical device industry group, asserts that devices that are approved through “FDA shortcuts” actually have a very good safety record. The NanoKnife was actually approved almost two years ago, after the FDA learned that it works like existing devices that have long been used during heart surgery. Instead of being used to treat patients with heart conditions, NanoKnife is being used to attack cancer cells, especially in tumors that are situated near vulnerable tissues, such as arteries or airways.

Oncologists at hospitals which use NanoKnife are said to receive some reimbursement for patients who undergo NanoKnife therapy, but some private health insurance companies are refusing to cover the treatment due to a lack of evidence that it is both effective and safe. Medicare will not cover use of NanoKnife.

The inventor of NanoKnife sticks by his creation, despite concerns from doctors and cancer scientists. Retired radiologist Gary Onik, inventor of NanoKnife, says that results of NanoKnife treatment are “phenomenal.” He personally treated thirty patients, and reports that all but two remain cancer free two years post-treatment. Some doctors across the world have spoken up in defense of NanoKnife at at various medical conferences, saying that it has permitted them to access and treat tumors in precarious places, which were previously unreachable with other therapies.

Regardless of how impressive NanoKnife appears to be, it seems as though further testing is absolutely necessary.

Source:

The Wall Street Journal Health

Remember to ask your oncologist about Chemo Brain.

Have you ever heard of “Chemo-Brain?” Lots of people who know cancer know what we’re talking about! The American Cancer Society describes this as “mental cloudiness” experienced by some cancer patients before, during and even after chemotherapy treatment for a variety of cancers. While researchers cannot pinpoint an exact cause for Chemo Brain, new studies have been able to make a pretty solid connection between chemo and radiation treatments and memory loss.

While a cancer patient’s memory loss is typically temporary, it is still unsettling for the patient, who has plenty of other emotional and mental issues to deal with. Patients who know cancer describe the following symptoms of Chemo Brain:

“Memory lapses,” when they are unable to remember something they typically have no problem remembering

Difficulty concentrating or “spacing out”

Problems remembering dates, people’s names, and other significant items

Trouble multi-tasking – for example, a patient with Chemo Brain may be unable to send an email and talk on the telephone simulataneously

Problems forming and finishing sentences or recalling common words

Doctors say that Chemo Brain is a very mild form of cognitive impairment, and for more cancer patients, their memory loss goes away fairly quickly – usually not long after their chemo or radiation treatment ends. However, no matter how long a patient experiences Chemo Brain for, it is still scary and unnerving for some people who know cancer. Some patients are so worried about their memory loss that they withhold the problem from their oncologist and other members of their cancer management team.

Doctors think that there may be a number of causes related to Chemo Brain, including the following:

Patient age

Sleep issues suffered during a patient’s course of treatment

Stress and depression

Hormonal changes

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments

Anti-pain and anti-nausea medications

Low blood count

But, Chemo Brain is difficult to study, and cancer researchers have yet to figure out a way to avoid the condition completely. Previously, a lapse in memory was only attributed to chemo treatments.  A new study, however, conducted in Miami, Florida by Dr. Pascal Jean-Pierre, reports that patients who undergo radiation and other hormone therapies also experience the Chemo Brain phenomenon.

“The findings show that memory impairment in cancer patients is a national problem that we must pay special attention to,” Dr. Jean-Pierre told MedPage Today. Dr. Jean-Pierre reported the findings of his study at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities.

Information collected in a national survey was used in the study. Patients who had a history of cancer treatment, including chemo and radiation, were at a higher risk of experiencing memory impairment. Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, Chief of General Medicine at the University of Miami, is not surprised by this.

“We are giving people a lot of very toxic drugs, so it’s not surprising that some people could develop some neurological problems,” Dr. Carrasquillo stated.

Dr. Jean-Pierre believes his study solidifies the need for more Chemo Brain research. “Cancer is..a key independent predictor of memory problems,” he said. “These memory issues can be related to treatment or to the tumor biology itself, which could change brain chemistry and neurobehavioral function.”

Because there’s no cure for Chemo Brain, Dr. Jean-Pierre believes that it is up to a patient’s physician to find ways to address the issue of memory lapse.

“One of the most important parts of cancer treatment is management of symptoms,” he asserts. So, what can be done to help people who know cancer and are suffering from Chemo Brain?

The American Cancer Society has a number of ideas, but here are some of our favorite suggestions:

Use a daily planner: cancer sufferers dealing with Chemo Brain may benefit from being able to reference a planner or calendar that lists important information, events and appointments in one organized location

Keeping a journal: people in general are less likely to forget something if they make a habit of writing things down, right? A patient experiencing Chemo Brain might want to keep a small notebook with them at all times, where they can write down names, telephone numbers, ideas, questions for their doctor, or even the name of a movie or book that they are interested in

Focus on one thing at a time: patients with Chemo Brain should work on finishing on task at a time, rather than trying to multi-task, which can result in frustration and unnecessary stress

Get some “mental exercise”: patients who have some memory loss issues may consider picking up a mentally-stimulating activity, such as a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, and doing it daily

Ask for help: a patient suffering from Chemo Brain should be encouraged to ask for help when they need it – for example, telling your nurse “You know, I’m having some trouble remembering things lately, so if you can remind me when I have to…” is a simple way to get support from your cancer treatment team

For more information about Chemo Brain, we suggest visiting the American Cancer Society’s Chemo Brain information webpage.

Sources:

American Cancer Society

American Association for Cancer Research

MedPage Today

Men 60+ should speak with their doctor about prostate cancer.

HealthDay news reports that a new blood test developed by a British company may be able to detect prostate cancer in the earliest stages, when it is most responsive to treatment. The test looks for the presence of biomarkers, or a cluster of proteins, that indicate cancer. In a pilot study, the test was reported to be 90% accurate and returned fewer false-positives than the Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] test, which is generally used to test patients who are believed to have prostate cancer.

Oxford Gene Technology presented their new test this week at the International Conference on Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Therapeutic Development, which was held in Denver. The American Association for Cancer Research hosted the conference.

The test is getting the attention of people in field of cancer diagnostics, as it may allow oncologists to detect malignant tumors much earlier than they were previously able to. Cancerous tumors are more likely to respond to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation when they are detected in Stage I. Developers specified a group of fifteen biomarkers that are generated in the earliest stages of cancer and are only present in men with prostate cancer. Study participants with prostate cancer were identified as having the disease, and those who did not have malignant tumors were filtered out. The test can also determine whether or not a patient has a malignant or benign condition, giving doctors the ability to more accurately diagnose patients.

A patent for the blood test is pending, so John Anson, President of Biomarker Discovery at Oxford, says the group will not release the names of the proteins that the test identifies. “At the moment, we are taking over 1,800 samples, which includes 1,200 controls with a whole range of ‘interfering disease’ that men of 50-plus are prone to,” he reveals. “We are going on to a much more exhaustive follow-on study.”

Next year, Anson says, Oxford will begin looking for partners to help the further their studies. The technology, he believes, could be used to detect other illnesses, too, including lupus and a rare cancer called malignant mesothelioma. Anson is confident that the test will be available for mainstream use within the next decade.

For years, researchers have been working hard to develop tests that can identify cancer in the earliest stages. The PSA test in general delivers such a high number of false-positives that some men receive treatment that they actually do not need. The emerging field of biomarkers is the first step in advancing what researchers call “personalized medicine,” which allows oncologists to tailor treatment specifically to each cancer patient. Dr. Gordon Mills of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center says that personalized medicine has a ways to go, though.

“Those [personalized] drugs are not going to be very useful unless at the same time we are able to identify patients likely to benefit from them,” he reports.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly-diagnosed form of cancer in American men, responsible for an estimated 32,050 deaths in 2010. One in six men will get prostate cancer, and one in thirty-six will die as a result. Fortunately, the death rate for the illness is decreasing because oncologists are now able to detect its presence much earlier.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation states that men over the age of sixty-five are more likely to be diagnosed, and the older you are, the more your risk increases. African American men are over 50% more likely to be diagnosed, and are almost three times more likely to die from the illness. Family history is also a risk factor, as men with an immediate relative like a father or brother are two times more likely to receive a diagnosed – especially if the immediate family member was diagnosed before turning fifty-five.

Men in Asia have the lowest risk of developing prostate cancer. Here in the United States, men in general are at a higher risk of prostate cancer, and studies have shown that Chinese men who move to the U.S. experience a substantial increase in their prostate cancer risk! [Could our lifestyle have anything to do with that? See our article from September 30th!]

The foundation goes on to report that men who live north of Philadelphia, Columbus, OH and Provo, UT [or any male living above forty degrees latitude in the U.S.] actually have the highest risk of dying of prostate cancer. Some scientists believe this is due to the lack of sunlight during certain months of the year, which affects people’s Vitamin D levels. Symptoms of this cancer include the frequent urge to urinate, pain when urinating, and pain in the lower back and hips, among others. These symptoms, however, are similar to the symptoms of non-malignant conditions like Prostatitis, so doctors must thoroughly examine patients before confirming a diagnosis.

Source:

Prostate Cancer Foundation

National Cancer Institute

HealthDay