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 …

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Targeted Therapy: What Are Targeted Antiangiogenic Therapies?

What is cancer targeted therapy? Targeted antiangiogenic therapies inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in cancerous tumors by blocking the factors that promote angiogenesis (the scientific name for growing blood vessels).  Targeted cancer therapies are specialized treatments focusing on specific factors that promote cancer growth and spread (metastasis). Targeted therapies involve administration of medications that interfere with the activity …

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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 …

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Cholbam (cholic acid)

What is Cholbam, and how does it work? Cholbam (cholic acid) is a bile acid used to treat bile acid synthesis disorders due to single enzyme defects (SEDs). It is also used for adjunctive treatment of peroxisomal disorders (PDs) including Zellweger spectrum disorders in patients who exhibit manifestations of liver disease, steatorrhea or complications from decreased fat-soluble vitamin absorption.  What …

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Banzel (rufinamide)

What is Rufinamide, and how does it work? Rufinamide tablets are a prescription medicine used with other medicines to treat seizures associated with Lennox- Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) in adults and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older. It is not known if rufinamide tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in pediatric patients under 1 …

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Altabax (retapamulin)

What is Altabax, and how does it work? Altabax is indicated for use in adults and pediatric patients aged 9 months and older for the topical treatment of impetigo (up to 100 cm2 in total area in adults or 2% total body surface area in pediatric patients aged 9 months or older) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillinsusceptible isolates only) or …

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What Is a Pilonidal Cystectomy?

Pilonidal cysts are usually seen along the tailbone. Surgical removal of cysts that usually develops in the crease of the buttocks is called pilonidal cystectomy. Pilonidal cysts are usually seen along the tailbone. These cysts may contain hair and skin debris. They may resemble a large pimple and are usually considered painful with swelling and infection. Pilonidal cysts usually occur …

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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 …

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What Are the Risks of Epilepsy Surgery?

What is epilepsy surgery? Epilepsy surgery is a neurosurgical procedure to prevent or reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Epilepsy surgery involves removal or surgical alteration of the part of the brain which is the focal point for onset of seizures. Epileptic seizures are caused by sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in certain brain cells, which may spread to …

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When Should a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Be Done for Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to the surrounding organs and cause death. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to the surrounding organs and cause death. A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is done in patients with melanoma to investigate the spread of the disease. SLNB is generally performed for melanoma when …

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