Tag Archives: cancer

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The breast needle localization helps to identify the exact location of a breast mass that is otherwise missed by touch The breast needle localization helps to identify the exact location of a breast mass that is otherwise missed by touch (impalpable) for biopsy. Usually, a dye or small wire is placed at the point of the abnormality. After a needle …

What is targeted cancer therapy? Targeted cancer therapy is a specific method of treatment for cancers, by identifying and targeting the cancer-causing factors (hallmarks) in the particular cancer. Targeted therapy medications do not directly kill the cancer cells, but work on the cellular level to stop their growth and prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer …

What does replicative immortality mean? Normal human cells can grow and divide only a limited number of times, and undergo planned death (apoptosis) when they become old, damaged, or no longer needed. Cancer cells, due to genetic mutations which enable them to progress through the cell cycle despite DNA damage, replicate infinitely and evade apoptosis; and in effect, achieve replicative …

What are human monoclonal antibodies? An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system in response to antigens, which are harmful substances. Antigens include bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, chemicals, and other substances the immune system identifies as foreign. Sometimes the body mistakenly identifies normal tissues as foreign and produces antibodies against the tissue. This is the underlying cause …