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  • Do’s and Don’ts To Follow Post Chemotherapy Treatment – News18

    Do’s and Don’ts To Follow Post Chemotherapy Treatment – News18


    While chemotherapy is highly effective, it can also cause significant side effects.

    Chemo drugs destroy both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to physical and emotional symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, infections, anxiety, and depression, among others.

    Chemotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment that involves powerful drugs to target and destroy cancer cells in the body. It plays a crucial role in cancer care, often combined with surgery or radiation therapy for optimal results. While chemotherapy is highly effective, it can also cause significant side effects. As the drugs attack both cancerous and healthy cells, patients may experience physical and emotional challenges, including hair loss, fatigue, nausea, infections, anxiety and depression.

    Therefore, prioritising your health and well-being after chemotherapy is vital. The recovery process will allow you to regain strength, heal, and embark on a new chapter of life.

    In this article, let’s check out the dos and don’ts to follow after the chemo sessions:

    1. Eat a healthy diet:Chemotherapy impacts the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients from food. So, eating a healthy diet is especially important to support the immune system and promote healing. After the chemotherapy treatment, focus on incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats into your diet. Moreover, avoid consuming processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive amounts of alcohol.
    2. Stay hydrated:Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages throughout the day is another essential thing to follow. Water helps to promote healthy digestion and flush toxins out of the body. Focus on drinking at least eight glasses of water each day for one week after treatment. Increase the intake of water if you are experiencing excessive sweating or diarrhoea.
    3. Get Enough Rest:Fatigue and exhaustion are the most common effects experienced by cancer patients, especially after chemotherapy. It is important to have at least 7-8 hours of good night’s sleep every day. Avoid using electronic devices and watching TV, and create a relaxing environment by keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Short naps during the day can also be beneficial to reduce fatigue and improve energy levels.
    4. Practise good hygiene:Chemotherapy treatment weakens immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to minimise the risks. This includes taking good care of your mouth, as chemotherapy causes dry mouth or sores, leading to an increase in bacteria in your mouth. Moreover, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Finally, avoid touching your face, nose or mouth, as this can transfer germs from your hands.
    5. Stress reduction techniques:Chemotherapy can be a stressful time that can affect both physical and emotional health, so it’s crucial to find ways to manage it post the treatment. You can try meditation or deep breathing to calm the body. Practising yoga can also be helpful to improve flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing stress and anxiety, or regularly exercise to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. If you don’t like to do this, you can try activities such as painting, writing, or playing music to help promote relaxation.
    6. Follow-up appointments:It is important to have follow-up appointments with your oncologist and primary care physician to monitor health, track progress, and address any concerns or issues. Additionally, consider having a physical examination, lab tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic procedures to help catch any issues before they become serious. You can also consult your doctor and take supplements like probiotics, vitamin D, etc. to support immune function and overall health.Other than this, there are several important “don’ts” to keep in mind during post-chemo recovery.
    7. Self-care:Don’t neglect self-care and healthy habits. Chemotherapy can weaken the body and immune system, so avoiding healthy habits can cause physical and emotional health issues from lack of sleep or difficulty regaining strength and stamina due to poor nutrition, and hydration.
    8. Smoking:During this time, you should also quit smoking and tobacco use, as chemicals in tobacco products weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and chronic health conditions.
    9. Isolation:Patients often isolate themselves from their loved ones due to guilt. Cancer treatments are challenging, but staying connected to family and friends is essential for speedy recovery. Isolation may lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression, while social support can offer emotional support, advice, and encouragement to cope with the challenges.
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  • Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss: Benefits, Methods, And Need Of Scalp Cooling Therapy- Explained

    Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss: Benefits, Methods, And Need Of Scalp Cooling Therapy- Explained


    For many cancer patients, the journey through treatment is not just about battling the disease but also managing the challenging side effects, including hair loss. Among these, chemotherapy-induced hair loss is one of the most visible and distressing side effects, impacting a patient’s confidence and emotional well-being. 

    Dr. Naresh Somani, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur shares detailed need and benefits of scalp cooling therapy.

    Understanding Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, but it can also affect other fast-growing cells, like those in hair follicles. This often leads to hair loss on the scalp and other body parts. For many, this can be a significant source of emotional distress and may affect their motivation to continue treatment.

    What is Scalp Cooling Therapy?

    Scalp cooling therapy is a technique used to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss. By lowering the scalp’s temperature during chemotherapy, the therapy constricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles. This method helps protect the follicles from the damaging effects of treatment.

    Benefits of Scalp Cooling Therapy:

    1. Reduced Hair Loss: Helps retain more hair during treatment.

    2. Decreased Emotional Distress: Minimizes the psychological impact of hair loss.

    3. Improved Confidence: Helps patients maintain a positive self-image during a challenging time.

    Who is Eligible for Scalp Cooling Therapy?

    Scalp cooling is often recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. However, its effectiveness varies depending on factors like the type of chemotherapy, dosage, treatment duration, and individual characteristics such as hair type and overall health.

    Effectiveness of Scalp Cooling

    Scalp cooling can reduce hair loss by approximately 50%, though results vary. Its effectiveness depends on:

    • Type and Dosage of Chemotherapy Drugs: Different drugs have varying impacts on hair follicles.

    • Duration of Treatment: Longer treatments may lead to more hair loss.

    • Drug Metabolism: How quickly the body processes chemotherapy drugs affects hair loss.

    • Patient’s Hair Type and Health: Hair type, age, and overall health can influence outcomes.

    Techniques of Scalp Cooling

    There are two primary methods for scalp cooling:

    1. Cold Caps or Cooling Caps: These tight-fitting caps filled with cooling gel or refrigerant are worn during chemotherapy to reduce blood flow to the scalp.

    2. Scalp Cooling Devices: These consist of a two-layer cap connected to a cooling machine that circulates coolant, maintaining a constant temperature.

    Is Scalp Cooling Right for All Chemotherapy Patients?

    Scalp cooling is not suitable for everyone. Its success varies based on the type of cancer, chemotherapy regimen, and individual health factors. It is generally not recommended for patients with blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, as it may leave cancer cells in the scalp’s blood vessels.

    Scalp cooling therapy provides a valuable option for patients looking to manage chemotherapy-induced hair loss, offering physical and emotional relief during treatment. Consulting with healthcare providers is essential to determine if scalp cooling is a suitable part of your cancer care plan, ensuring a personalized approach to managing the effects of chemotherapy.

     

     



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  • Chemotherapy Linked To Hearing Loss In Longtime Cancer Survivors, Study Finds

    Chemotherapy Linked To Hearing Loss In Longtime Cancer Survivors, Study Finds


    Researchers from Indiana University and the University of South Florida performed an interdisciplinary study that produced important results regarding the long-term consequences on cancer survivors of one of the most widely used kinds of chemotherapy.

    The study, which tracked a cohort of testicular cancer survivors who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy for an average of 14 years, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology. It found that 78 per cent of the survivors have significant difficulties in everyday listening situations, which negatively affects their quality of life. This interdisciplinary study is the first to examine hearing loss progression and real-world listening problems in cancer survivors over an extended length of time.

    “It’s important that we understand the real-world effects of patients’ sensory problems and if we can understand that, then we can develop better therapeutic strategies and preventive measures to improve the long-term quality of life for cancer survivors,” said Robert Frisina, distinguished university professor and chair of the USF Department of Medical Engineering.

    Cisplatin is commonly used in chemotherapy treatments for a variety of cancers, including bladder, lung, neck and testicular. It is administered intravenously and affects various parts of the body. However, the ears are particularly vulnerable as they have little ability to filter out the drug, causing it to become trapped. This leads to inflammation and the destruction of sensory cells that are critical for coding sound, causing permanent hearing loss that can progressively get worse well after cisplatin treatments are completed.

    Lead author Victoria Sanchez, associate professor in the USF Health Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, said that despite the known risks, there’s a nationwide lack of routine hearing assessments for patients undergoing chemotherapy. “Most patients still do not get their hearing tested prior to, during or after chemotherapy. Our study highlights the need for regular auditory evaluations to manage and mitigate long-term hearing damage.”

    The research team found higher doses of cisplatin led to more severe and progressing hearing loss, especially in patients with risk factors, such as high blood pressure and poor cardiovascular health. They also experienced increased difficulty hearing in common environments, such as a loud restaurant.

    “It will be critically important to follow these patients for life. Their current median age is only 48 years, and eventually they will enter the years at which age-related hearing loss also begins to develop,” said Dr. Lois B. Travis, Lawrence H. Einhorn Professor of Cancer Research at Indiana University School of Medicine and a researcher at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. This research is part of The Platinum Study, an ongoing research effort led by Dr. Travis and funded by the National Cancer Institute to study cisplatin-treated testicular cancer survivors.

    The hope is that this study will inspire further investigation into alternative chemotherapeutic protocols and preventive measures, such as FDA-approved drugs to prevent or reduce hearing loss.

    “This research gives oncologists the information they need to explore alternative treatment plans that could reduce the long-term side effects, such as altering the dosages and timing of the cisplatin in the treatment, when that could be an appropriate option,” Frisina said.

    Innovative solutions, such as Pedmark, a new FDA-approved injection that mitigates cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children, represent promising steps forward, according to Frisina.

    “We want to protect our hearing or treat a hearing loss if hearing damage occurs,” Sanchez said. “Hearing allows us to connect to the world we love. Staying connected through conversations with family and friends, enjoyment of music and entertainment, staying safe and finding pleasure in our vibrant surroundings. Promoting optimal hearing for overall wellness is essential for healthy living.”



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  • Beyond Weight Loss: Identifying The Key Symptoms And Treatments Of Bone Cancer

    Beyond Weight Loss: Identifying The Key Symptoms And Treatments Of Bone Cancer


    Bone cancer, though rare, can manifest in various forms, including osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. It typically begins in the bone cells, leading to abnormal growths that can weaken bones and spread to other parts of the body. Although predominant among children and young adults, bone cancer can develop at any age, impacting the cells responsible for producing hard bone tissue as shared by Dr.Viswatej Avutu, MD, Sarcoma Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. 

    Recognising Bone Cancer Symptoms

    Unexplained weight loss and fevers can occur due to increased metabolic rate from cancer cells, highlighting the disease’s broader impact on the body.

    Symptoms of bone cancer vary but commonly include persistent pain in the affected bone or nearby tissues, ranging from dull aches to sharp discomfort. This pain often worsens over time, disrupting daily activities and sleep patterns. Swelling or lumps near the bone can indicate potential tumour growth. Bone weakening alsoincreases the risk of fractures even from minor trauma, known as pathological fractures. While many of these symptoms can be confused with typical muscle or bone sprains and strains, the duration and other associated symptoms can signal something more dangerous. 

    Treatment Options for Bone Cancer

    Treatment aims to eliminate cancer cells while preserving limb function and quality of life and depends on various factors, including the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

    • Surgery: The primary treatment for localized bone cancer involves surgical removal of the tumour. Surgeons strive to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy bone and tissue as possible. In cases where the tumour affects limb bones, techniques such as limb-sparing surgery may be employed to avoid amputation.

    • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with surgery to shrink tumours before surgery or to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. This approach helps reduce the risk of cancer local recurrence.

    • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be recommended before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumours, or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also used for cancers that have spread to other parts of the body (metastatic bone cancer)and also to prevent such spread

    • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies take advantage of molecular and genetic changes in cancer cells that are distinct from healthy cells, to more specifically target and kill cancer cells. These are often used when bone cancer has spread (or metastasized).

    • Clinical trials: Many novel therapies are being investigated to help improve outcomes for patients with bone cancers. These are often targeted therapies or immunotherapies or new combinations of treatments. 

    Early detection, through awareness of these symptoms, and prompt medical intervention are crucial for effectively treating bone cancer and improving patient outcomes. Advances in treatment options and supportive care further enhance the management of this challenging disease, offering hope for improved quality of life and extended survival.



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  • Ann Wilson announces cancer diagnosis, postpones Heart tour

    Ann Wilson announces cancer diagnosis, postpones Heart tour


    Heart postpones Red Rocks concert and other concerts across the country


    Heart postpones Red Rocks concert and other concerts across the country

    00:22

    Ann Wilson, lead singer of rock band Heart, says she has cancer and the band is postponing the remaining shows on its Royal Flush Tour while she undergoes treatment.

    Wilson said in a statement Tuesday that she underwent a surgery to remove a cancerous growth and is recovering steadily, but that her doctors urged her to undergo preventive chemotherapy and take time off from performing “in order to fully recover.” That meant the rest of the shows on the North American tour will be postponed to dates in 2025.

    “To the ticket buyers, I really do wish we could do these gigs. Please know that I absolutely plan to be back on stage in 2025,” Wilson said in the statement. “My team is getting those details sorted & we’ll let you know the plan as soon as we can.”

    All previously purchased tickets for the now-postponed shows will be honored. The rescheduled dates will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release.

    “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing,” Wilson continued in the statement before adding, “Respectfully, this is the last public statement l’d like to make on the matter.”

    Over 50 shows at stadium and arena venues in dozens of cities across the U.S. and Canada are impacted by the postponement. Select shows were set to include performances from Def Leppard and Journey, and Heart has not announced whether those bands will accompany them at the rescheduled performances.

    Heart had been set to play in Albany and Buffalo in New York on August 10th and 11th, and at Madison Square Garden in October.   

    The band, led by Wilson and her sister Nancy Wilson on the guitar, canceled the European leg of their tour in May, citing that the singer had to have “a time-sensitive but routine procedure for which the minimum recovery time is six weeks.”

    Wilson posted on Instagram at the time of the European shows’ cancellation, writing, “I’m okay! Please don’t worry. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me.”

    The Wilson sisters, who made hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Alone,” formed the band in 1973. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers were honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023.



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  • Cancer Treatment: Understanding The Crucial Role Of Early Detection In Diagnosis

    Cancer Treatment: Understanding The Crucial Role Of Early Detection In Diagnosis


    Cancer screening is a proactive strategy that seeks to identify cancer before symptoms manifest. It is essential for both improving outcomes and saving lives. A major influence on the course of cancer treatment and survival rates is an understanding of the significance of early identification through screening. Effective cancer management is based on early detection. 

    Dr Jayanti Thumsi, Lead Surgeon- Breast Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Bangalore says, “Healthcare providers can improve prognosis and increase treatment options by detecting cancer early on and implementing prompt therapies. Depending on the kind of cancer, screening tests can take several forms, but they usually entail minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques to find aberrant cells or tumours.”

    Role of Early Detection In Cancer Treatment

    Dr Jayanti highlights, “One of the most widely recognized cancer screening methods is mammography for breast cancer. Mammograms, recommended annually for women over 40, can detect breast cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable. In India, less than 3% of women undergo breast cancer screening, contributing to alarmingly high rates of late-stage diagnosis. Shockingly, more than 60% of women seek medical help when the disease is already advanced, severely limiting treatment options and diminishing chances of survival. Tragically, 1 in 2 newly diagnosed women with breast cancer in India lose the battle due to a lack of awareness about the importance of breast screening.”

    “Similarly, Pap smears are instrumental in detecting cervical cancer by identifying abnormal cells on the cervix, allowing for early intervention and prevention.”

    “Beyond breast and cervical cancer, screening programs exist for various other cancers, including colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer. Colonoscopies, faecal occult blood tests (FOBT), and sigmoidoscopies are effective in detecting colorectal cancer, while prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests aid in diagnosing prostate cancer. Furthermore, advancements in imaging technology have led to the development of low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals such as smokers”, concludes Dr Jayanti.



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  • Can Poor Lifestyle Choices Lead To Cancer Risk In Women? Expert Lists Common Bad Habits

    Can Poor Lifestyle Choices Lead To Cancer Risk In Women? Expert Lists Common Bad Habits


    Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases across the globe, increasing at a fast pace, both in India and worldwide. 2022 reported over 14.13 lakh new cancer cases in India, which accounted for 9.16 lakh deaths (as per estimates released by the World Health Organisation) and the cancer cases amongst women have outnumbered men. Women have faced various challenges associated with cancer, with prevalent occurrences identified in breast, cervix, ovary, mouth, and colorectal cancers.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that a substantial 30-40% of cancer instances can be averted through lifestyle modifications alone. Increased awareness, informed choices, and adopting healthier habits can empower women to proactively mitigate the risk of developing different types of cancer, promoting longer and healthier lives.

    Everyday Habits Leading to Cancer Risk In Women

    Mrs Jyostna Govil, Chairperson of the Indian Cancer Society, Delhi Branch points out the harmful activities that can lead to the risk of breast or cervical cancer risk in females:

    1. Smoking: Smoked tobacco releases around 7,000 chemicals, triggering cellular alterations upon inhalation, further increasing the chances of developing cancer. The tandem of smoking and excessive alcohol intake is associated with an elevated risk of cancers affecting the aerodigestive tract- the lips, mouth, larynx, pharynx, throat, oesophagus and colon.

    2. Obesity: Beyond its well-established links to diabetes and heart disease, obesity poses a significant risk for various cancers. While more definitive studies are required, there’s no denying that obesity is on the rise due to sedentary lifestyles. Fat tissue usually produces high levels of estrogen, which has been associated with breast, ovarian, endometrial in women and other types of cancers across the demography (which also includes women). 

    3. Neglecting regular screening and check-ups: Another leading cause of cancer in India is the lack of regular screening and check-ups in the country. A sense of ennui surrounds regular screenings, followed by stigma in certain parts of the country, which results in neglect of regular screenings and even ignoring the early signs and symptoms. This is notably evident in cervical cancer, a prevalent issue among Indian women. 

    4. Lesser Physical Activity: Lack of physical activity, especially amongst the youth today is also leading to an increased number of cancer cases. Lesser physical activity is linked to breast cancer risk in women, especially those in the menopause phase. The growing trend of embracing a sedentary lifestyle, characterized by extended work hours, unhealthy snacking habits during work, prolonged screen time watching TV, and videos, and the latest craze of spending hours on reels, deters people from engaging in exercise and walks. 

    This sedentary pattern contributes to health issues such as PCOD/PCOS, particularly impacting younger women. Sedentary behaviour is also increasing the cancer of the lungs, endometrial and colon.

    How To Lower Cancer Risk: Preventive Tips

    Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Vice Chairman & HOD, Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital shares healthy lifestyle choices to make to reduce cancer risk:

    • Maintain a healthy weight

    • Eat healthy

    • Exercise regularly

    • Say no to tobacco and Limit alcohol consumption

    • Protect from sexually transmitted infections

    • Manage stress and Be mindful of environmental factors

    • Get vaccinated



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  • Princess Kate revealed she is undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis. What is preventative chemotherapy?

    Princess Kate revealed she is undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis. What is preventative chemotherapy?


    Catherine, the Princess of Wales, announced Friday that doctors discovered cancer in tests conducted after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January. The 42-year-old princess is now undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy as advised by her medical team, she said in a video. Here is what that may involve.

    What is preventative chemotherapy?

    Preventative chemotherapy, which is usually referred to as “adjuvant chemotherapy,” is an early treatment that is used to reduce the chance of cancer returning, even if all visible cancer was removed in a surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    When cancer is removed from the body, there is always a chance undetectable microscopic bits of cancer remain and could grow. This treatment is meant to wipe out those tiny cells, CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook said.

    “The idea is, well maybe there is some tiny microscopic cells somewhere, and we don’t want to give them a chance to grow up,” LaPook explained. “We want to nail them right now when they’re not yet clumped together and growing into big masses.”

    How is the treatment given?

    There are many types of adjuvant therapies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and more. The princess is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, the most common form of cancer treatment, which is typically three months long, LaPook explained. 

    The treatment can take various forms depending on the type of cancer, including pills, an IV, creams, injections and more, the Mayo Clinic says. In the most common scenario, chemotherapy is given as an infusion into a vein, usually by inserting a tube with a needle into a vein in the arm.

    What are the possible side effects?

    While this type of treatment is an attempt to prevent cancer from growing and spreading, it is still an intensive process, and can have multiple potential side effects that may include fatigue, and an increased risk of contracting infections, LaPook said. 

    According to the Mayo Clinic, other possible side effects include nausea, hair loss, mouth sores, loss of appetite, easy bruising and bleeding. The clinic says many of these can be prevented or addressed with treatments.

    However, there are also some potential long-term side effects that do not appear until months or years after chemotherapy, such as damage to lung tissue, heart problems, infertility and risk of second cancer, the clinic outlines.

    Does it work?

    The success of preventative chemotherapy is really dependent on the type of cancer, how aggressive it may be and what stage the recipient is in, the Mayo Clinic says. 

    LaPook spoke with a cancer expert at NYU Langone Health, who said the process can be difficult, but that “people tend to have a 100% recovery afterwards in terms of getting their strength back and getting back to normal function.”

    He added that the fact that this seems to have been caught early is potentially a good sign for the princess.

    “Even though we’re shocked by it and she was shocked by it, in the big picture, it’s actually relatively encouraging that it was found so early,” La Pook said.

    Simrin Singh

    Simrin Singh is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.



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  • Cancer Treatment: New Food Supplement To Stop Deadly Cell From Spreading, Know All About It

    Cancer Treatment: New Food Supplement To Stop Deadly Cell From Spreading, Know All About It


    Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, making it very difficult to overcome. While medical science has provided many options for treating cancer, some types of cancer, with rapidly spreading cells, have been challenging to eliminate.

    In this regard, the development of Nutraceutical Therapy by doctors at the Tata Memorial Center is nothing short of a boon for cancer patients. The team of doctors who developed this therapy said that it is designed to treat metastatic cancer and reduce its risks. It took the doctors involved in this research over a decade to develop this therapy.

    What is Metastatic Cancer

    Metastatic cancer is when the deadly cells of cancer start spreading from one part of the body to another. However, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, the term metastatic cancer is commonly used only for solid tumors, such as those in the breast, prostate, or lungs.

    What is Nutraceutical Therapy

    Doctors conducting the research explained that Nutraceutical is a food or food supplement known as RCU-C. It is prepared from copper, grapes, and berries. It contains extra bioactive compounds and medicinal properties that provide the body with not only basic nutrition but also many health benefits.

    Results Nutraceutical Therapy in Cancer Patients

    The use of Nutraceutical has been started on cancer patients in the last few years, with better results seen in cancers of the oral cavity, blood, brain, and abdomen.

    Risks of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Revealed in the Study

    Dr. Indraneel Mitra, the lead researcher of the study, told TOI that during this research, the risks of cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy have also come to light. However, this therapy kills early tumor cells but causes dying cancer cells to release chromatin, called CFCHP, which travels through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, causing cancer.

    (Written by Sharda Singh)



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  • Mumbai doctors find way to curb risk of cancer spread | India News – Times of India

    Mumbai doctors find way to curb risk of cancer spread | India News – Times of India


    MUMBAI: Doctors at Tata Memorial Centre here say they’ve discovered a mechanism for cancer metastasis and developed nutraceutical therapy to minimise its risk. As per their decade-long research published in reputed journals, dying cancer cells release ‘chromosome fragments‘ (chromatin), which, at times, fuse with healthy cells and cause new tumours, reported.
    A nutraceutical is a food or food product that provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often due to its added bioactive compounds or medicinal properties.
    Study reveals chemo, radiotherapy hazards
    Although many patients are cured of cancer, our study uncovered a potential risk involved in current cancer treatment practices,” said Dr Indraneel Mittra, who led the research, on Monday. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy kill primary tumour cells, they cause the dying cancer cells to release chromatins — called cfChPs — which could enter healthy cells elsewhere in the body through blood and “cause cancer there”, he said.
    Further tests on cfChPs revealed that a nutraceutical made from copper and a plant (grapes or berries) could neturalise them and reduce the risk of metastasis, said former TMC director Dr Rajendra Badwe, who was present at the press conference. TMC has tied up with a nutraceutical manufacturer to make the medicine — which could be prescribed as supportive treatment along with chemotherapy — available in June.

    Cancer metastasis has been a topic of intrigue for centuries. “How does cancer spread? There are cases where the cancerous tumour has been removed with treatment, yet the patient dies,” said Dr Mittra. His team injected human breast cancer cells into mice. “We first treated the tumour that developed in the mice, biopsied the brain and found cfChPs of human cancer cells there,” said Dr Mittra.
    They conducted various research rounds using surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and found similar results. One arm of the study injected tumour-hit mice with the nutraceutical. “The brain biopsy of these mice revealed lower levels of CfChPs,” he said.
    In the last few years, the doctors started studying the effect of the nutraceutical — called R-Cu as it is a combination of grape-extract resveratrol and copper — on humans. In a few patients with oral, blood, stomach and brain cancer, the doctors added R-Cu to the standard treatment with encouraging results.
    “We used it in 20 blood cancer patients who developed painful ulcers in their mouths and oesophagus after bone marrow transplant,” said TMC deputy director Dr Navin Khattry. Patients who received R-Cu had fewer ulcers. Similar findings among stomach cancer patients were published in an indexed journal, Medical Oncology in November 2022, he said.
    Oral cancer surgeon Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, who tested the medicine in oral cancer patients, said, “Our findings conclude that relatively inexpensive nutraceuticals may be used as adjuncts to chemotherapy to reduce its toxicity.”
    The doctors said their findings have important implications for cancer treatment policies. First, clinicians need to consider cfChPs as a potential cause of metastatic cancer spread, rather than metastasis being caused by migrating cancer cells. “Secondly, cancer treatment protocols may need to include agents that deactivate or destroy cfChPs,” said Dr Badwe.





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