Chemotherapy: Benifiting Breast Cancer Patients
explanatory Essay
719 words
The lights are bright and the air is warm as the doctor walks in. As she sits down, her expression quite worrying, the room suddenly feels cold and imprisoning. As she begins to explain the results of the mammogram, the feeling worsens. The patient feels a sudden wave of nausea as the doctor tells her how there is a tumor growing in her left breast. This scenario plays out for too many women and men in the United States and worldwide. Thankfully though, due to much advancement in the technology of chemotherapy, patients suffering from breast cancer have been benefited greatly. There have been very many developments in chemotherapy since its creation in the early 20th century and those developments have helped doctors to be able to better treat breast cancer. Developments would include things such as what kind of drugs doctors use, how long to administer this life saving chemotherapy, and more specifically how to administer these drugs and make sure they get to their desired target. In fact, in recent years a lot of focus has been put onto precision. Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a way to help direct the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin to its desired target by developing amino acid sequences that react only to special carbohydrates in tumor cells (Liu). This breakthrough discovery was something totally unseen in the field before. Previously, doctors would have to be very careful as to where they applied certain drugs such as doxorubicin because of how harmful they could be to other parts of the body. Now that researches have discovered a way to make the drug only react to certain polysaccharides found in tumors, doctors don’t have to worry as much about harming other tissues or organs surrounding the tumor and can focus ... ... middle of paper ... ...hemotherapy and others, many more people would have succumbed to diseases such as breast cancer. Chemotherapy development has played a key role in benefiting chemotherapy patients around the world. Works Cited DeVita, Vincent T., Jr., and Edward Chu. "A History of Cancer Chemotherapy." A History of Cancer Chemotherapy. N.p., 10 Apr. 2008. Web. 02 Jan. 2014. Liu, Tiffany. "Advances in Chemotherapy Dramatically Increase Precision." New University RSS. New University, 26 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. "Chemotherapy Before Surgery Can Benefit Advanced-Stage, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer." Breastcancer.org. N.p., 5 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. "Chemo After Surgery for Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer Improves Survival." Breastcancer.org. N.p., 31 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. "Teresa - Breast Cancer Survivor." Chemocare. Scott Hamilton CARES, n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how the doctor walks in and the room feels cold and imprisoned. the patient feels a sudden wave of nausea as she begins to explain the results of the mammogram. patients suffering from breast cancer have been benefited greatly.
- Explains how advances in chemotherapy have helped doctors better treat breast cancer. researchers at uc irvine have discovered a way to direct the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin to its desired target by developing amino acid sequences that react only to special carbohydrates in tumor cells.
- Explains that new chemotherapy drugs have been developed for use before surgery and are helping to shrink tumors for easier removal during surgery.
- Explains that chemotherapy before surgery can benefit advanced-stage, triple-negative breast cancer.
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- New Treatments for Breast Cancerexplanatory essayNew Treatments for Breast Cancer Breast Cancer affects one in eight of American women, and is the second most common cause of cancer death in America. I chose to write my term paper on breast cancer because it is a disease that has effected some members of my family. Due to this possibly inherited condition, I felt that researching the topic would help me learn ways to prevent the disease and educate myself to perform self-exams that may result in early detection. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor in the glandular tissues of the breast. Such tumors, also called carcinomas, form when the chemical processes that control normal cell growth break down, enabling a single abnormal cell to multiply at a rapid rate (Hickman).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breast cancer affects one in eight american women and is the second most common cause of cancer death in america.
- Explains that breast cancer is a malignant tumor in the glandular tissues of the breast. it is the most common cancer in women, other than skin cancer.
- Explains that scientists don't understand exactly what causes breast cancer. studies suggest that several categories of women are at increased risk for the disease.
- Explains that three-quarters of all breast cancer patients are not in any of the groups considered at increased risk, indicating that not all risk factors are understood.
- Explains that removal of a cancerous tumor by surgery cures one-third of all breast cancers that are detected early.
- Explains that there are four stages of breast cancer. the first stage is a tumor less than two centimeters in diameter, where nodes are not involved and there is no distant metastasis.
- Explains that clinical research in breast cancer is focusing on a variety of promising theraputic strategies, such as new chemotherapy agents, endocrine agents and antibody therapy.
- Explains that the drug taxol, approved in 1992 by the fda for treating breast, ovarian and other types of cancers, is extracted from the bark of the pacific yew.
- Explains that endocrine therapy slows the growth of breast cancer cells by preventing them from using estrogen. tamoxifen, or nolvadex, is a drug in pill form, taken orally, that interferes with the activity of estrogen
- Explains that herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that targets cells that overproduce her-2, which is implicated in about one-third of all breast cancer cases.
- Explains that some cancers have extra copies of the gene and an overabundance of cell surface receptors.
- Concludes that there are many new treatments that have been proven to help reduce the harmful effects of breast cancer. early detection is the key to surviving.
- Describes hickman, roberts, and larson's integrated principles in zoology.
- Cites gradishar, w., "high-dose chemotherapy and breast cancer". the journal of the american medical association.
- Explains the effect of raloxifene on risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Cites garber, j., "a 40-year-old woman with a strong family history of breast cancer". the journal of the american medical association.
- Explains antman, k., and shea, s. screening mammography under age 50.
1938 wordsRead More - Breast Cancer; Saving the Girlsexplanatory essayBreast cancer can greatly impact the lives of a patient, their family, and close friends. Many times breast cancer can cause stress, low self esteem, and pain mentally and physically. Treatment can also result in changes to your body. For example, chemotherapy can lead to hair lost, visible scars will appear after surgery, and many people will also gain weight during or after treatments. This can furthermore be very upsetting to one and lead to major insecurities. “Research has shown that the sooner you confront the physical changes to your body, the easier you may find it to gain confidence in the way you look...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breast cancer can cause stress, low self-esteem, and pain mentally and physically. treatment can also result in changes to one's body.
- Explains that breast cancer is the second most prominent cause of cancer deaths in women. it occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control.
- Explains that it is more common for women to develop breast cancer than men, although it's very rare for men.
- Explains that breast cancer symptoms: what you need to know, "changes to your body," and "how you can help."
- Describes the number of new breast cancer cases occurring worldwide, per 100,000. rivera-varas, viviana.
- Explains what's new in breast cancer research and treatment. zieve, david, et al.
966 wordsRead More - hereditary breast cancercomparative essay... of life. Many factors may affect decisions such as age, menopausal status, and stage of cancer. Culture, values, lifestyle, and support systems are other factors that have impact on the woman’s response and outlook when facing this disease process. Ongoing and long-term supportive care is important to meet the patient’s needs. Health care providers are responsible to provide education, support, and advocacy for women experiencing breast disorders (LeMone et al., 2011).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there are many different approaches for management of breast cancer and treatment options that patients may select in collaboration with health care providers. invasive cancers are classified based on tumor type and histological grade.
- Explains that treatment for primary, localized breast cancer includes surgical interventions based on tumor type, size, and stage. breast conserving surgery has been related to screening mammograms.
- Recommends radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy after surgery for undetected cancer cells. radiation therapy is most commonly used with lumpectomies for early stage breast cancer.
- Explains that chemotherapy is the standard of care for most breast cancer cases with axillary node involvement. it reduces the risk of relapse and death in early stages.
- Explains that women diagnosed with breast cancer face life-changing decisions about treatment during a short and stressful time. treatments that increase survival often have adverse long-term effects, including osteoporosis, fatigue, weight gain/loss, premature menopause, and sexual problems.
595 wordsRead More - Chemotherapy Informative Essayexplanatory essayThesis Statement While chemotherapy is beneficial at curing or helping a disease such as cancer, it can has a negative effect on a person’s body too. Purpose Statement
In this essay, the author
- Explains that while chemotherapy is beneficial at curing or helping a disease such as cancer, it can negatively affect one’s body too.
- Explains that chemotherapy is an aggressive way to destroy rapidly growing cells in the body. the oncologist will look at the patient's age, nutritional status, weight, current medicines, and the blood cell count.
- Explains that chemotherapy is used in hope that it will cure the cancer altogether and hopefully prevent it from coming back in the future.
- Explains that chemotherapy is systemic and affects the whole body. it lowers cancer cells, reduces spread, shrinks tumors, and prepares you for future treatments.
- Explains that chemotherapy is used to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Explains that chemotherapy can cause many negative side effects, including anemia, diarrhea, fatigue, fertility issues, hair loss, infection, and infertility.
- Explains how chemotherapy can be given in multiple ways. systemic chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream and does not target a specific part of the body.
1043 wordsRead More - Breast Cancer and Skin Cancerexplanatory essayBreast cancer is known as the most common solid tumor among the female population in most parts of the world [WHO 2012], second only to skin cancer in the United States [Ma 2013]. In 2014, an estimated 235,030 new cases of breast cancer (BCA) will occur in the United States [Siegel 2014] with an average of 1 in 8 women developing BCA at some point in their lifetime. While this incidence has remained relatively stable since 2004, mortality rates have progressively declined by over 30% in the last two decades [ACS 2013]. This improved survival is due to a multitude of factors including early detection, public awareness, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, ongoing clinical trials, and advances in treatment [Bleyer 2012, Smith 2013, Mangat 2011].
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breast cancer is the most common solid tumor among the female population in most parts of the world, second only to skin cancer in the united states.
- Explains that common treatment for breast cancer includes surgery +/- radiation, endocrine therapy and chemotherapy (ct). ct remains an integral part of invasive bca management but its use is not without side effects.
- Explains that the prevalence of cic ranges from 21%-47% with higher prevalence reported in the united states compared to europe. cardiovascular complications are a significant cause of mortality in breast cancer survivors.
- Explains that chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (cic) is defined by the national cancer institute as "toxicity affecting the heart." the cardiac review and evaluation committee (crec), responsible for supervising trastuzumab trials, defines it as: (i) a reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (lvef) globally or
- Opines that a proper definition of cic is still lacking as neither of the previous descriptions fully encompasses all forms of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy.
- Explains that the severity of chemotherapy-induced reduction in lvef is categorized into five grades according to the national cancer institute’s common terminology criteria for adverse events found in table 1.
- Explains that the factors associated with increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity may be grouped into two categories (table 2): treatment-related and patient- related risk factors.
- Explains that treatment-related risk factors for cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients include exposure to chemotherapy and radiation. the risk varies by choice of chemotherapeutic agent and the combination of these agents.
- Explains that patient-related risk factors for cic include co-morbidities, lifestyle, race, genetics, and age.
- Explains that almost all chemotherapy used to manage bca may cause some form of cardiotoxicity with much higher occurrences seen with anthracycline (ac) use followed by trastuzumab (tz).
- Introduces acs, a class of antibiotics derived from streptomyces bacteria. they are one of the most effective chemotherapy treatments for bca.
- Explains that ac-based chemotherapy was the most commonly used ct regimen for bca treatment; however, given its more recently appreciated cardiotoxicity profile, ac use over the last decade has declined.
- Explains that the main mechanism of action of acs is attributed to its inhibition of topoisomerase ii which prevents dna from re-ligating thus blocking transcription and replication.
- Explains that acs' action on the heart is controversial and poorly understood but it is generally agreed that the action is different from its anti-neoplastic effect and may be multifactorial
- Explains that clinically toxicity caused by ac can be classified as acute, early, and late onset, with clinical manifestations such as arrhythmias, ecg changes, reduced qrs complexes and prolonged qt interval.
- Explains that delayed onset toxicity is more common and disabilitating and occurrence cannot be predicted as of yet.
- Explains that patients may be asymptomatic with reduced ejection fraction or diastolic dysfunction, which can only be diagnosed with imaging studies, with proper intervention and discontinuation of the offending agent.
- Explains that the cardiotoxic effect of ac can be reduced at the same time as achieving its beneficial antitumor activity. the cumulative dose is the most important risk.
- Explains that duration of administration of ac is also important. doxorubicin, the most studied ac, can be modified with liposomal encapsulation to reduce cardiotoxicity while still maintaining its effectiveness.
- Explains that epirubicin has a lesser cardiotoxic effect than dox. dexrazoxane exerts its cardioprotective properties by chelation of intracellular fe released by ac, but its use is limited by concerns of reduced anti tumor activity.
- Explains that trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized igg monoclonal antibody directed against breast cancer cells over expressing her2/neu(erbb2) binds selectively to these cells promoting antibody dependent cellular toxicity.
- Explains that cardiotoxicity is not commonly reported in the literature due to its low incidence. 5fu exerts its antineoplastic action by inhibiting thymidylate synthase and its cofactor.
- Explains that 5fu has various effects on the heart that have been reported- coronary artery spasm causing angina, nstemi and even mi although rare.
- Explains that cytophosphamide is the most commonly used agent in the management of bca in this class. the mechanism of cardiotoxicity is elusive.
- Explains that cardiotoxicity from alkylating agents is also dose-related, but is reversible once the agent is discontinued.
- Explains that taxane based regimens are now seen due to relatively lesser cardiotoxicity. taxanes act by distrupting microtubule function that is important in cell division.
- Advises that periodic screening for cardiotoxicity should be done especially with the use of anthracyclines; clinicians should not wait till the patient is symptomatic as this denotes irreversible damage.
- Explains that baseline cardiac function should be documented before chemotherapy. early cardiac monitoring and detection will help reduce the burden of this complication.
- Explains that echocardiograph (echo) is a preferred method of surveillance as it is readily available not invasive and easy to use.
- Explains the sensitivity of bnp and troponin to accurately predict patients at risk for late onset cardiotoxicity is controversial.
- Opines that the prevention of cardiotoxicity should begin with risk factor modification, such as limiting cumulative dose of ac, giving continuous infusion, and better management of other medical risk factors.
- Explains the first line of treatment in established diagnosis of cardiotoxicity is stopping the offending chemotherapy, reducing or stopping exposure to other cardiotoxic agents. early commencement of medications like acei, arb, b-blockers, aspirin, statins has been found to increase the chances of recovery.
- Opines that there will be more bca survivors with cardiac disease as this is the most common sequelae from medical intervention by oncologists. cardiologists should be a part of the team during chemotherapy administration, surveillance of cardiotoxicity and subsequent management.
- Opines that as the cancer survivor population continues to age remaining cancer-free, patients with cic will be encountered more often. there is substantial awareness in literature but this may not relate in real-world clinical practice.
3301 wordsRead More - Chemotherapy Essayexplanatory essayThe word chemotherapy means the use of any drug (such as aspirin or penicillin) to treat any disease, but to most people chemotherapy refers to drugs used for cancer treatment. It’s often shortened to “chemo.” Two other medical terms used to describe cancer chemotherapy are antineoplastic (meaning anti-cancer) therapy and cytotoxic (cell-killing) therapy. The first drug used for cancer chemotherapy did not start out as a medicine. Mustard gas was used as a chemical warfare agent during World War I and was studied further during World War II. During a military operation in World War II, a group of people were accidentally exposed to mustard gas and were later found to have very low white blood cell counts. Doctors reasoned that something that damages the rapidly growing white blood cells might have a similar effect on cancer. So, in the 1940s, several patients with advanced lymphomas (cancers of certain white blood cells) were given the drug by vein, rather than by breathing the irritating gas. Their improvement, although temporary, was remarkable. This experience led researchers to l...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that chemotherapy refers to drugs used for cancer treatment. mustard gas was used as a chemical warfare agent during world war i.
- Explains that nanorobots will destroy cancer cells without effecting the other healthy cells in a human body.
- Explains nanorobots are an application of nanotechnology. nanotechnology is defined as the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale to create materials with remarkably varied and new properties.
606 wordsRead More - Breast Cancer- Awareness in Femalesexplanatory essayThe book Breast Cancer Wars: Hope, Fear, and the Pursuit of a Cure in Twentieth-century America, gives a detailed description of the history associated with radical mastectomies or the removal of one or both breast, as well as the chest tissue and surrounding lymph nodes. Dr. William Halstead, a John’s Hopkins surgeon popularized the procedure. It was said, “In 1968, 70% of women with breast cancer received the treatment. (Lerner 2001)” According to Dr, Ananya Mandal (2013), breast cancer has been around for a long time. This article gives a description of breast cancer facts and statistics, the author also identifies that breast cancer is not just a recent occurrence and it has been going on since ancient times. A brief synopsis was also given, establishing a trend all the way from Egyptian times to present day history. (Suchy n.d)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breast cancer is staged according to guidelines set by the american cancer society.
- Explains stage 0 contains noninvasive breast cancers, while stage ii is divided into two sections. stage iiia, iiib, and iiic are categorized as operable or inoperable.
- Explains that breast cancer examinations can be classified in two ways, conventional and newer.
- Explains the two most common forms of treatment: chemotherapy (chemo) and radiation (oncoplastic surgery).
- Explains that breast cancer has been on the decline since 2000 due to advances in detection techniques such as ultrasound (sonography) and magnetic resonance imaging (mri).
- Explains that there are two types of research studies for breast cancer: observational studies and randomized control trials.
- Explains that oral contraception and depo provera contribute to breast tumor development because of the body’s exposure to abnormally high estrogen levels.
- Explains that the us preventative task force supports the idea of reducing the number of screening mammography.
- Explains that factors such as regulating smoking, drinking, birth control, and eating habits can all reduce breast cancer incidence. however, many researchers believe that growth patterns correlate to development.
- Explains that the american cancer society (acs) displayed information providing a background on breast cancer. it elaborated on the key risks that cause it, and the importance of examinations and awareness.
- Analyzes the history of radical mastectomies, which was popularized by dr. william halstead, a john's hopkins surgeon.
1479 wordsRead More - The Importance Of Breast Cancer In Womencomparative essayEarly detection of breast cancer in women can mean life or death. A way of testing for breast cancer is through screenings. The outlook, also known as prognosis, depends on what the doctors find during the screenings. If during the screening, the doctors found evidence of cancer, then more tests may be performed or surgery may be recommended or some other form of therapy. Once the cancer has spread, the prognosis will not be in the patients favor...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that 1 out of 36 women will die from breast cancer each year, which equals about 3% of women. early detection can help women stay healthy, getting good therapy can increase a woman’s life expectancy, and understanding the causes can lead to the cure.
- Explains that early detection of breast cancer can mean life or death. the outlook, also known as prognosis, depends on what the doctors find during the screenings.
- Explains the different types of treatments for breast cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.
- Explains that breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of race. white women are more likely to get it than african-american women.
- Explains that cancer cells come from what was once a dna cell. dna cells are what make up our genes.
- Recommends getting regular breast exams to detect early signs of breast cancer and save lives. breast cancer can sneak up on anyone at any time.
602 wordsRead More - Colorectal Cancer: Tracking Metastasis and Tricking Cancerexplanatory essayBreast cancer occurs when there are abnormal cells in the breast tissue which multiply and together form a tumour in the breast (Craft, Gordon & Tiziani, 2011). These tumours that develop can multiply and affect tissue surrounding it as well as spread throughout the body, affecting other organs and tissues (Craft, Gordon & Tiziani, 2011). Breast cancer is common in females between the ages of 35 and 55 (Cross and Underwood, 2013). In 2007, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females (AIHW, 2012a). Between the years 1995 and 2002, the age-standardised incidence rates increased to ‘0.6 cases per 1000,000 women per year’ (AIHW, 2012a). Although, the most recent studies show that there has been an decrease in rates of about 1.3 cases per 100,00 women between the years 2002 and 2007 (A...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in males and females, and has been taken very seriously by the national bowel cancer screening program (nbcsp).
- Explains that breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue multiply and together form a tumour. breast cancer is common in females between the ages of 35 and 55.
- Opines that prostate cancer is one of the five most common types of cancer in australia. men need to be able to identify risk factors and know where to go for help.
- Describes melanoma as originating from melanocytes, which develop in pigment-producing cells in the epidermis of the skin.
- Explains that leukaemia is a blood cancer that manifests as an abnormal production of blood cells in the circulating system.
- Explains that there are two types of lymphoma, hodgkin's and non-hodgekin’s, which affect the lymphocytes of the body.
- States the australian institute of health welfare and australasian association of cancer. cancer in australia: an overview 2012.
- Summarizes the american cancer society's quickfacts on basal and squamous cell skin cancer.
- Explains that physics-and engineering-based approaches are helping researchers stop the spread of cancer by anticipating tumour cells' moves and habits.
925 wordsRead More - EXPRESSION OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR IN THAI BREAST CANCER PATIENTSexplanatory essayIt is a consensus that breast cancer is systemic disease. Multimodality treatment is needed to cure from the residual cancer after the surgery (5-11). Three well established systemic treatments for breast cancer are chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological targeted therapy. Systemic chemotherapy claims to have high effective against breast cancer, but it can cause serious side effects in the patients (12, 13). Unlike chemotherapy, hormonal treatment (one of biological targeted therapy) has fewer side effects, but the tumors need to express hormonal receptors in their cells (8, 14). Up to date, there are two kinds of hormonal treatment for breast cancer; anti-estrogen receptor drug (eg. Tamoxifen) (15-17) and aromatase inhibitors (eg. Letrozole) (10, 18, 19). Biological targeted therapy is a new way to flight against breast cancer, but the cost is still very high. Even the effective systemic treatment, breast cancer still has the high death rate. According to US cancer fact sheet death rate was about one-fifth of the cases in 2013 (3).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a descriptive study enrolled 95 thai breast cancer patients in charoenkrung pracharuk hospital between october 2011 and october 2013.
- Explains the study was approved by the ethics committee for researches involving human subjects, the bangkok metropolitan administration (charoenkrung pracharuk hospital).
- Explains that p = proportion of androgen receptor positive; 70% according to ren q, et al.
- Explains that the main objective of the study was analyzed exclusively with descriptive statistics. a p-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
- Explains that thai breast cancer had estrogen and progestrogen receptors positive about 60%, her-2 receptor, and triple negative about 19%.
- Explains that the expression of androgen receptor in thai breast cancer was 80% (76/95) and 33.33% (6/18) were positive.
- States that multivariate analysis found that triple negative was significantly reverse related to the expression of androgen receptor with odd ratio of 0.05 (0.014-0.175) (p-value 0.001).
- Compares the expression of androgen receptor and estrogen receptor in breast cancer tissue (p 0.001).
- Explains that thai breast cancer patients had higher cancer stage than western countries. they were underwent simple mastectomy and had invasive ductal carcinoma.
- Explains that androgen might be a new target for breast cancer treatment for thai patients.
- Reports the prevalence of androgen receptor expression in thai breast cancer patients.
- Explains that the prevalence of androgen receptors in thai breast cancer patients was 80.00% and less expression in triple negative breast cancer patients (33.33%).
- Explains that breast cancer is a systemic disease, and multimodality treatment is needed to cure it.
- Describes the 95 thai breast cancer patients in the study. the mean age was 51.371.17, mean bsa and bmi were 1.560.01 and 24.380.46, respectively. invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common diagnosis.
1920 wordsRead More