cancer

Targeted Therapy: What Is Apoptosis in Cancer Cells?

What is targeted cancer therapy? Cancer cells grow and proliferate endlessly. Targeted therapy to stimulate cell death or “apoptosis” can help keep tumors in check. Targeted cancer therapy is a focused treatment for certain cancers in which the specific cancer-causing factors can be identified and targeted with drugs. Targeted therapy involves administration of medications that …

Read More »

Targeted Therapy: Cancer Therapies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment

What is targeted therapy for cancer? Some targeted cancer therapies aim at the pro-survival factors in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment is the surrounding tissue, known as stroma, which provides the support for cancer's growth and survival. Targeted cancer therapy is a specialized cancer treatment with medications which target specific cellular mechanisms that give rise to cancer and help …

Read More »

What Are the Signs of Salivary Gland Cancers?

Salivary gland tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva that is important to lubricate the oral cavity, help with swallowing, digest food, and protect the teeth from bacteria. There are three major pairs of salivary glands are: Parotid glands are present on both sides of the insides of the cheeks Submandibular glands …

Read More »

Folotyn (pralatrexate injection)

What is Folotyn, and how does it work? Folotyn (pralatrexate injection) is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) drug used to treat T-cell lymphoma that has spread throughout the body. Folotyn is given for relapsed T-cell lymphoma, or after other medications have been tried without successful treatment. What are the side effects of Folotyn? Common side effects of Folotyn include: redness or sores …

Read More »

Survival Rate for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The average five-year survival rate of leukemia is 60-65%. The prognosis depends on the type of leukemia, the extent of the disease, age of the patient, and the general condition of the patient. Some patients can go into complete remission. The average five-year survival rate of leukemia is 60-65%. The survival rate of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) depends on the …

Read More »

What Is the Survival Rate of Retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye that begins in the retina. Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye that begins in the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive lining on the inside of the eye that communicates with the brain via the optic nerve. Retinoblastoma most commonly affects young children and rarely occurs in adults. The survival rate of …

Read More »

Targeted Therapy: What Is the Function of A Tumor Suppressor Gene?

Tumor suppressor genes encode proteins to modulate the process of cell growth and replication. Mutations which inactivate the tumor suppressor genes enable cancer cells to grow, unrestrained. Some targeted therapies aim to reactivate these genes, thus suppressing the tumor.  What is targeted therapy for cancer? Targeted cancer therapy is a treatment with medications that target specific cell processes that cause …

Read More »

What Is a Simple Mastectomy?

Breast cancer arises from the cells of the breasts and can spread to other parts of the body Breast cancer arises from the cells of the breasts and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). It is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women in the United States. Though extremely rare, breast cancer can sometimes occur …

Read More »

What Does Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy Mean?

When the lymph nodes in the mediastinum become enlarged, it is called mediastinal lymphadenopathy. When the lymph nodes in the mediastinum become enlarged, it is called mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Mediastinal lymph node enlargement can occur from a wide range of diseases, either on its own or in association with other lung conditions. It usually stays less than 10 mm in diameter. The mediastinum is a …

Read More »

What Happens if Melanoma Gets Into Lymph Nodes?

Melanoma is a rapidly progressive type of skin cancer. If the melanoma has spread into the lymph nodes, it means cancer has spread beyond its original site (the primary tumor). It will need a more aggressive line of management. Melanoma is a rapidly progressive type of skin cancer. The treatment of melanoma depends on the stage of the disease. Lymph …

Read More »