Introduction:
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is known as the most aggressive form of malignant brain tumor in adults [1,2,4,5]. Patients who are diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme have an extremely poor rate of survival. Glioblastoma multiforme has been found to be sporadic and doesn’t have any linkage or genetic pre-dispositions. The prognostic of GBM is poor and there has been little improvement of the patients overall survival rates for the past three decades [5]. Although patients undergo surgical resection along with chemotherapy and high-dose radiotherapy the survival rate after diagnosis is still low at the survival time of 14-15.5months [1,2,4,5]. There has been hope that immunotherapy may contribute as a beneficial treatment to this malignant brain tumor [1]. Treatments that would be effective in GBM patients are desperately needed. Three studies were reviewed to get a better understanding of what treatments or combination of treatments would be more beneficial to GBM patients.
The first experiment reviewed was titled “MRP3: a molecular target for human glioblastoma multiforme immunotherapy” and was carried out at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina by-Kuan et al’s (2010). Their study was conducted to identify brain tumor markers that are needed for prognostics from immunotherapeutic approaches. From series of analysis they found multidrug-resistance protein 3 (MRP3) to be a candidate marker of GBM [2]. After discovering a potential molecular therapeutic target Kuan et al. hypothesize that there would be evidence that MRP3is potentially a good target in immunotherapy for those with GBM [2].
In the second experiment was titled, “Prognostic factors in glioblastoma multiforme patients receiving ...
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...e level for the high dose radiotherapy protocol. Also, the observations shows that patients that survive the treatments should be watched over a longer follow-up time [5].
Heimberger et al., (2007) results implicated that producing T cells affected by the vaccination did not decrease when temozolomide was given concurrently [1]. Also after the third vaccination there was an increase in response to PEPvIII-specific IgG while temozolomide was given simultaneously. After following the CD8+ T cell Heimberger et al. was able to identify a window where the CD8+ T cell is responsive with the decline of T regs [1]. This confirms that during immunization temozolomide does not decrease the immune response. “The delay of T reg response would allow for efficacious immune responses but eventual down-modulation/ regulation of this response” [1].
After analyzing and reviewing
the effective doses from diagnostic CT procedures are typically estimated to be in the range of 1 to 10 mSv. This range is not much less than the lowest doses of 5 to 20 mSv estimated to have been received by some of the Japanese survivors of the atomic bombs. These survivors, who are estimated to have experienced doses slightly larger than those encountered in CT, have demonstrated a small but increased radiation-related excess relative risk for
The concept of tumor heterogeneity being related to the course of the disease and clinical outcome in cancer patients draws additional attention in the era of personalized medicine (1). Current cancer treatment strategies are based on the site of origin of the primary tumor. However, it was shown that tumors developed from distinct cell types differ in their prognosis and response to cytotoxic therapies (2...
The current standard of therapy is resection of the tumor plus radiotherapy and TMZ (E5). Multiple studies performed between 1976 and 1991 have led postoperative radiotherapy to be accepted as standard treatment (L12). The universal dosing schedule for radiotherapy in GBM is fractionated irradiation over 6-7 weeks for a total of 60 gray (Gy) (G7,M13). TMZ is an oral alkylating agent that can be used concomitant with radiotherapy and as an adjuvant. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) organized a study showing that adding TMZ to standard radiotherapy is beneficial to overall survival. This study enrolled 573 patients from 85 institutions and randomly assigned eligible patients to receive either standard radiotherapy alone or radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ. There was a 37% decrease in relative risk of death and a median increase in survival of 2.5 months in patients treated with TMZ and radiotherapy when compared to radiotherapy alone (P<0.001). There are adverse effects with both RT and chemotherapy, but hematologic toxicities are more likely to occur in patients treated with both TMZ and RT (M13). This study maintained its validity after accounting for recursive partitioning analysis classifications (L12). The current standard dose of TMZ is 75 mg per square meter of body surface area daily during radiotherapy and then a dose of 150-200 mg per square meter of body surface area for 5 days of each 28-day cycle following RT (G7,M13).
The current strategy for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme is generally palliative treatment, including standard chemotherapy and surgical resection, and radiotherapy. GBM often exhibits a high resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. (2)
Since the beginning of the propitious world, the core aspect that keeps it thriving is the propensity for people to discover innovations; however, progress of the past is, systematically, detrimental to the future. Not long after the revolutionary invention of the X-ray in the late 19th Century, an unprecedented number of medical examiners noticed (unknown to the time) radiation burns all over their body; decades later, an extraordinary surge in cancer cases had arisen. Perhaps, during the course of these years, scientists and researchers desired to further progress the x-ray (into the immense subsidiaries that are here today), and disregarded any flaws in the apparatus. This systematic inclination continues into the present time as Gary Marshall and Shane Keene notes in their 2007 article, “New technologies allow for patients to be overexposed routinely, and also allow for repeats to be taken quickly, making it easier for a technologist to multiply the patients dose without considering the implications” (5). The gaffes of radiology are present not only in the diagnostic setting, but also in the surgical and therapeutic areas. Working with radiation, it is imperative that the staff is aware of mistakes that are potentially fatal not only for patients, but themselves. It is especially important for medical radiologists to be cognizant of pediatric patients. The standard practice of pediatric radiology in the United States is to follow the step-by step formula from which adult patients are treated and diagnosed. There are copious consequences for following this technique since a child naturally has less body mass and a weaker immune and lymphatic system to manage radiation and its adverse effects. Medical radiology, being a...
At this day in age we are constantly trying to improve the field of medicine in any way that we possibly can. We cherish every birthday and continually try to prolong life. Not only through every field of medicine, especially in terms of cancer. The American Cancer Society is “the official sponsor of birthdays” and is making leaps and bounds in the types of care that cancer patients receive. One of these many breakthroughs is the practice of Stereotactic (Body) Radiotherapy or S(B)RT. SBRT and other radiation therapies have the ability to greatly improve the way that we treat the issue of cancer and the variation of treatment options; however, they have raised the concerns of long term effects from radiation and cost-effectiveness. As research has begun to show, radiation therapies are having great success in curing cancer.
I have chosen to write about the constellation Cancer (The Crab). I chose Cancer because it is one of only a handful of constellations that I am actually able to identify in the night sky. Cancer is one of the twelve Zodiac constellations; people whose birthdays fall between June 21st and July 22nd have Cancer as their sign. Cancer is the Latin word for crab, and despite the fact that the constellation looks more like a lobster then a crab, it is still referred to as a crab. The constellation is visible from the northern hemisphere from late winter to early spring.
There are two types of Malignant Brain Tumors: Primary, and Secondary (Metastatic). Primary Brain Tumors begin in the brain, or in nearby tissues such as the meninges, cranial nerves, pituitary gland, or pineal gland. A Primary Brain Tumor begins from a mutation in the DNA. Metastatic Brain Tumors are more common, and occur from having had cancer in another part of the body, which spread to the brain.
I have elected to transcribe my proposal argument on issues regarding cancer chemoprevention. I selected this topic because reasonably minute devotion has been given to cancer chemoprevention research in ethical writings, particularly in relation to the huge quantity of moral studies in cancer treatment exploration. Cancer chemoprevention trials test the ability and care of medicinal agents in averting cancer before its manifestation. I believe that phase III chemoprevention issues can be less prevalent by simply ensuring enhanced communication and etiquette between researchers and investigators.
Genetic testing is an area that has had significant advancement over the past few years. Genetic testing can provide important information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness or disease (Mayo Clinic, 2015). There has been progress recently with genetic testing within oncology and it has become an accepted standard of oncologic care (Robson, Storm, Weitzel, Wollins, & Offit, 2010 February 10).
According to SEER Statistics, 23,380 people are estimated to get a brain or nervous system cancer diagnosis. Out of those people, 14,320 people are estimated to die from their brain or nervous system cancer diagnosis (National Cancer Institute). Cancer is a type of dangerous tumor, or a buildup of extra cells that form a mass of tissue, that can be life threatening (National Cancer Institute). The term for a tumor that is cancerous is a malignat tumor, whereas a benign tumor does not contain cancer cells (National Cancer Institute). According to the National Cancer Institute, the causes of brain cancer are unknown, but risk factors include family history and excessive radiaton exposure. Although they are not always due to a brain tumor, comon symptoms include headaches, nausea, speech, hearing, vision, and mood changes, problems with balance and mamories, seizures, and numbness in arms and legs (National Cancer Institute). MRI and CT scans as well as surgical biposies (or the removal of part of the tumor to be examined) are used to diagnose brain cancer (National Cancer Institute). Different types of treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery to remove the tumor, and chemotherapy. According to Charles Davis, MD, PhD and Nitin Tandon, MD of WebMD.com, chemotherapy is “ the use of powerful drugs to kill tumor cells”. There are a few different types of chemotherapy, but all of which bring out the same kinds of side effects. Although the physical side effects of chemotherapy are commonly known, few people know of the emotional toll chemotherapy can take on a patient and his or her family as they go though this process.
I was a child when my aunt got sick, and my fascination about the field of medicine began. She had brain cancer. While I watched the disease progress I was flooded, not only with sadness and grief, but with questions. With two psychologists for parents I had a lot of support and understanding of my feelings, but I was left curious about the medical aspect of the disease and why there was no cure. The notion that the brain could change someone’s entire personality and physical function was amazing to me. Spending a lot of time in hospitals, I observed so much about the impact of a cancer diagnosis on patients and their families, and about what happens to people through the disease process. I noticed the enormous influence that the medical professional’s
When taking a radiograph there are some precautions that can be taken to reduce some of the radiation that can be exposed to a patient, what would be used on all patients is call a lead apron and thyroid collar, these aprons are used to protect the patients that may be a bit more radiosensitive and also may give the patient a little of reassurance that they will be protected. “Radiosensitivity is the relative susceptibility of cells, tissues, organs, organisms, or other substances to the injurious action of radiation.”
Radiation therapists work closely with patients to fight cancer. According to Health Care Careers, Oncologists, Dosimetrists and nurses are some of the professionals that a radiation therapist works with while caring for a cancer patient. This group of professionals will determine a specialized treatment plan. The first step usually includes a CT scan performed by a radiologist to find the exact area that needs to be targeted with x-rays. Next, the therapist uses a special machine that emits radiation called a Linear Accelerator. They use this machine during a treatment called external beam therapy. During this process, the Linear Accelerator will project x-rays at targeted cancer cells or tumors. Another therapist will be in a different room monitoring the patient’s viral signs until the procedure is over. The external therapy l...
...l risk factors that are fully linked developing multiple myeloma. Therefore, preventative measures remain unknown.