The New Leukemia Drugs

While chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are well known cancer treatment methods, few people untouched by the malignant disease are aware of a new class of medication called targeted therapy drugs which are leading the way in a new, effective strategy in the war on cancer. Targeted therapy drugs are available for many different types of cancer but in the fight against leukemia, where surgery to remove a tumor is not an option, they are most welcome and improving survival rates.

Targeted therapy is a broad-based term used to describe a new class of drugs that seek to stop or inhibit the growth (dividing process) of new cancer cells by interfering with specific molecules that "signal" for new cancer cells to grow and develop. Since targeted therapy drugs are directed only at the molecules that "allow" the process of creating cancer cells, they generally do not harm healthy cells in the way that chemotherapy and radiation does, and is generally considered less harmful with side-effects than chemotherapy and radiation. Other names used to describe this class of drugs includes molecularly targeted drugs, and moleculary targeted therapies.

Targeted therapy drugs are used alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs to maximize results. They are also divided up between first-line and second-line treatment consideration. First line treatment for cancer means that specific drugs, or a combination of drugs, is used in the initial round or course of treatment, before any other drug or combination of drugs is tried. Second-line treatment means that a specific drug, or combination of drugs, is used after first-round treatment was tried and failed, yielded poor results, produced side-effects considered too severe, and when a cancer has reappeared after remission.

Optimism over this new line of cancer drugs should be curbed since not all "targeted therapy drugs" turn out to be beneficial. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylortag®) was pulled from pharmacy shelves in the summer of 2010 by Pfizer after a closer look by the FDA revealed the drug offered no benefit when used with chemotherapy drugs, and after a greater number of deaths occurred in the group of patients who received Mylotarg compared with those receiving chemotherapy alone.

FIRST-LINE treatment targeted therapy drugs for leukemia include.

Imatinib (Gleevec®) is used to treat:

Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).Hypereosinophilic syndrome or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL).Relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

With this drug, more than 90% of patients will be able to keep CML in check for at least five years, reducing it to a chronic, manageable condition in that time. Gleevec is considered to be one of the most successful examples of targeted therapy, available today. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. Gleevec, approved in 2001, was one of the first targeted therapy drugs to come out and is one of the most widely used since it is also used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTS). Ninety percent of all chronic myelogenous leukemia cases involving the Philadelphia chromosome.

Nilotinib (Tasigna®) is used as a first line treatment to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) that is Philadelphia chromosome positive. Early results of an on-going 5 year study revealed in December, 2010, show that Tasigna might be superior to the popular Gleevec for treating CML patients. Tasigna cut the amount of a tell-tale protein in the blood in three times as many patients with leukemia as did it's predecessor, Gleevec.

In a Bloomberg story stemming from press release issued by the drug's maker, the company reported: "In the clinical trial, designed to follow about 900 patients for five years, almost three times more people taking 300 milligrams of Tasigna twice daily had only a trace amount of the Bcr-Abl protein in their blood after 24 months. The other patients took either 400 milligrams of Gleevec once a day or 400 milligrams of Tasigna twice a day."

Tasigna is mabe by Novartis, the same company that created Gleevec. Novartis considers Tasigna the superior successor to Gleevec, whose patent runs out in 2015. The down-side of Tasigna is that it carries a black box warning from the FDA for an irregular heart rhythm (QT prolongation) that can lead to fainting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or sudden death. Even with this warning, the FDA granted Tasigna first-line treatment status for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase in June, 2010.

Dasatinib (Sprycel®) was once the go to drug when Gleevec and other types of medications don't work initially, no longer work, or are not administered due to their severe side-effects, but is now a first-line treatment drug for CML. Sprycel is used to treat:

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This includes patients with CML that is Philadelphia chromosome positive. (Approved first-line treatment).Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is Philadelphia chromosome positive, in patients who are not able to use other drugs including Gleevec. (Second-line treatment).

Sprycel works the same way as Gleevec, by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that tells cancer cells to multiply. Sprycel received first-line treatment status for CML-Philadelphia chromosome by the FDA in October, 2010.

SECOND-LINE treatment targeted therapy drugs for leukemia include:

Tretinoin (Vesanoid®) is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia in patients who did not benefit from other types of chemotherapy, or whose condition improved with other types of chemotherapy, but then got worse. Tretinoin is used to produce remission (a decrease or disappearance leukemia symptoms ) in APL, however, other medications must be used after treatment with tretinoin to prevent the cancer from returning. Vesanoid comes with an FDA warning for a group of symptoms related to its main ingredient which is a type of Vitamin A.

Rituximab (Rituxan®) is used in combination with other drugs (primarily the chemo drug fludarabine) to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including hairy cell leukemia (a subtype of CLL). Rituxan comes with an FDA warning that oncologists make aware to their patients.

Alemtuzumab (Campath®) is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) after a chemotherapy drug called fludarabine has failed. Campath comes with an FDA warning that patients will be informed about.

Ofatumumab (Arzerra®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults that have not gotten better with a chemotherapy/targeted drug therapy involving fludarabine (chemo), and alemtuzumab (targeted).

Jason L Morrow is the founder and editor of OmniMedicalSearch.com. where you can learn more about leukemia symptoms.

Original article

I Am Diagnosed With Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Will I Live?

Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a frequent cancer of the blood cells. It's frequency increases with the increasing of age. Before treatment existed this type of cancer was totally mortal, and with the therapy that is used nowadays, its survival rate is bigger, up to 90 % in case of Acute promyelocitic leukemia. It is thought that one of the main causes of this Leukemia, is the BENZENE exposure.

So, lets start with the basics. As of the FAB classification, your disease can be classified in 8 groups, from AML-M0 to AML-M7.

The worst prognosis is AML-M0, and the best prognosis is AML-M3.

As of the WHO classification that is more recent and more concise, a person can have:
Leukemia from chromosomal trans-location
Leukemia from myelodisplasia
Leukemia from treatment
Leukemia of unknown origin

Of this 4 cases, the leukemia from treatment may have the best prognosis.

Treatment:
If you suffer from AML-M3 (Acute promyelocitic leukemia), the treatment of choice will be ATRA (All trans retinoic acid). The survival rate will be great, up to 90% after 5 years.

If you suffer from all other forms, the treatment is as follows:
One cycle of INDUCTION: You use 3 days of anthracyclines, and 7 days of ARA-C.

One cycle of CONSOLIDATION: In the start of this phase, the cancer cells will be really low. If this second cycle is successful, you will be safe, no more cancer in your body. But the success of this phase depends on the prognostic factors of your leukemia.

First of all, your age. The older you are (over 70), the more difficult will be. But you still have the possibility to survive. Other prognostic factors are the chromosomal trans-locations that are present in your genotype.
Good Prognosis: t(8;21), t(15;17), inv(16)

Intermediate Prognosis: Normal, +8, +21, +22, del(7q), del(9q), Abnormal 11q23, all other structural or numerical changes

Bad Prognosis: -5, -7, del(5q), Abnormal 3q, Complex cytogenetics

Will YOU Live?

Well, you have to fight! It's a battle that you have just started, but you have to be strong, physically and mentally. Be very collaborative with your physician, and take your pills very regularly. The chances to survive after 5 years are up to 70 % in general. YOU HAVE TO BE IN THAT 70 %!

Original article

Information About Leukemia

Leukemia is actually several different cancerous diseases, all of which involve an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood or in the bone marrow, in which the normal blood cells are replaced by the immature white blood cells.

One of the signs of leukemia is the tendency towards excessive bruising and bleeding.

People with leukemia often find themselves susceptible to infections more than they have been in the past. This is because the white blood cells which are the blood cells which fight the infections may be suppressed in some way or be unable to function as they normally would. This leaves the victim of leukemia often falling victim to infections such as tonsillitis, sores in their mouths, diarrhea, pneumonia and other infectious diseases which attack their body.

Victims of leukemia often become anemic, suffer from shortness of breath and become unusually pale of color.

Other symptoms of leukemia also include flu like symptoms, headaches, chills, fever and also unexplained weight loss.

Some medical professionals feel that some studies tend to indicate that treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy used to
combat former cancerous conditions tend to contribute to the development of leukemia in some of its victims.

Some medical professionals also feel that the use of tobacco contributes to that form of leukemia known as acute myeloid leukemia which is often contracted by adults.

There seem to be indications also that genetic ties play a part in certain kinds of leukemia. Many people feel that this is a good argument why adoption records should be open, at least as far as medical records are concerned, from the very beginning and that they be completely accessible when the adoptee becomes an adult.

Most forms of leukemia are combated with intense regiments of chemotherapy. Some are also treated with radiation, but chemotherapy seems to be the most effective and is usually the treatment of choice. Sometimes bone marrow transplants are also used and often have proven successful.

Clinical research of leukemia in all of its forms is being done on a large scale. On the average over two hundred thousand people die every year of some form of leukemia. Although the majority of the victims of leukemia are adults, there are forms of leukemia which attack children and young people as well.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from leukemia, don't hesitate, don't put it off, get yourself or your loved one to a doctor. Be checked. If it turns out to be something else, something simple, celebrate. If it turns out to be leukemia, celebrate as well. Celebrate that you didn't wait and that you and your doctor are going to work as a team with a goal of healing for you or your loved one.

For more information about Leukemia visit our site http://www.howcurecancer.com/.

Original article

Acute Leukemia Symptoms And What To Look For

Acute leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the white blood cells. It can present in many forms such as Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), which is very common in children, especially 2-5 years of age; Acute Myelogenic Leukemia (AML), and Acute Non-Lymphatic Leukemia (ANLL). This article shares a brief overview of the symptoms to look for as well as the causes, diagnosis and treatment options associated with this disease.

Acute Leukemia

Symptoms - A man, woman or child with this condition may experience a constant tired feeling that can be accompanied with a low fever, anemia, pale skin, general ill feeling, easily bruised skin, and/or frequent nose bleeds or bleeding gums. Other possible symptoms include abdominal pain with an enlarged spleen, and infections with sores in the mouth.

Causes - The cause of this form of cancer is unknown, but risk of contracting the disease increases with a family history, Down Syndrome, or other congenital disorders, identical twins, or exposure to toxic chemicals.

Diagnosis - The first indication of a problem is typically an observation of the aforementioned symptoms. A physical exam with studies of the blood, bone marrow, or cerebral spinal fluid should follow to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases certain x-rays or CT scans may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment - Proper treatment of acute leukemia may include blood or platelet transfusions, anticancer medication and radiation treatments. A bone marrow transplant may be necessary in some cases. A physician may also prescribe cortisone drugs and pain relievers (except aspirin) to help a patient deal with symptoms.

Acute leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells that can affect children and adults depending on the type of cancer. If treatment is successful and a patient goes into remission, there will be an ongoing need for check-ups to be certain it does not return.

Did you ever wish you had a simple tool that could walk you through your symptoms and lead you to an online diagnosis? Get a good idea of what your symptoms mean by simply answering yes or no using this Online Diagnostic Tool

Click this link to visit SymptomSpy.com and learn more about Acute Leukemia

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Leukemia and Children

One of the most tragic of all forms of cancer is Leukemia, which each year kills thousands of children all over the planet. Leukemia is a disorder of the blood, the bone marrow, and the lymphatic system. as one would expect with a system of this size, complexity, and importance to the body, there are numerous ways that things can go wrong. Because of this, there are various types of leukemia, all with different areas of activity and effects on the body.

There are a few ways to breakdown which type of leukemia is being dealt with. There are divisions that could be made based on whether or not the patient is a child or adult, for example. But most commonly the division is made based on how the blood cells are effected, and where the abnormality is taking place.

With symptoms that mimic those of many other, milder illnesses, leukemia is a difficult disease to diagnose initially. Some of the symptoms one is likely to experience are pervasive feelings of fatigue, constant chills and night sweats, and susceptibility to infection. As you can see, these are all conditions that could come from something as mundane as being overworked and run down. Many people assume that's exactly what the problem is, and don't seek help until their condition becomes so bad that they are unable to perform normal everyday activities without extreme discomfort.

When a person does report to the doctor, a blood test or bone marrow test may be conducted. These are the only ways to reliably screen for leukemia. Because of the variousness of the symptoms, and the invasiveness of the screening methods, leukemia often goes undiagnosed, by some estimates in as many as 20% of all cases.

The classification of leukemia arises from a four-fold matrix of conditions. The first axis is that of acute vs. chronic. In the case of acute leukemia, large numbers of immature blood cells are rapidly released. Since they are not fully developed, they crowd out the productive cells, resulting in quick deterioration of health. In the chronic case, blood cells are more mature and build up more slowly, resulting in a gradual worsening of health.

The second axis of the matrix is that of lymphocytic vs. myelogenous. Lymphocytic leukemia effects the cells which make up the body's immune system. Myelogenous leukemia effects the myeloid cells, which are responsible for producing the range of blood cells-white, red, platelet-in the body. This matrix yields four distinct forms of the disease, all of which have different degrees of danger and populations within which they occur.

Unlike some other forms of cancer, leukemia is not primarily caused by any lifestyle choices. There is a strong genetic component, which can be exacerbated by exposure to radioactive compounds. If you have a history of leukemia in your family it is important to stay vigilant and aware of your health. There are different treatments available and the earlier you can diagnose the problem (especially with the acute leukemia) the more likely you can survive.

Original article

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

While most people are aware of the devastating effects of cancer, many are unfamiliar with specific forms of the disease like Non-Hodgkin disease (lymphoma). In recent years, awareness efforts by many different groups has helped shed light on this devastating form of cancer that affects the cells of the body's immune system.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (or NHL) attacks the cells of the body's lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes, vessels, and fluid. It may also affect other parts of the system including the tonsils, spleen, thymus, skin, and certain areas of the stomach.

Lymphoma may begin as an abnormal cell that eventually grows into a tumor and spreads across the lymphatic system. Individuals who are affected by this type of cancer may experience the following symptoms:

Swelling of the nodes in the armpits, groin, and neckSudden loss of weightUnexplained night sweatsFeverChest pain and persistent coughAbdominal painExtreme tiredness and lack of energy

One of the more troubling factors of NHL is that many of the symptoms can be attributed to other illnesses and minor health issues. Unfortunately, individuals often do not seek the proper medical assistance until it is too late. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of NHL and to visit a doctor if you discover unusual swelling of the nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.

Diagnosing NHL

In order to diagnose NHL, a doctor will usually perform the following tests:

Physical examination to identify swollen nodesBlood tests to obtain an accurate count of white blood cellsX-rays to identify swollen nodes in the chest and abdomenBiopsy of swollen nodes

It is important that individuals are aware of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma and it's symptoms. If you believe that you may be affected by NHL, there are many different resources online and in your community to help you deal with this devastating disease.

For more information on NHL and possible causes of the disease, visit the website of the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma support group at the nhlproject.org.

Original article

Treatment of Leukimia

Treatment of leukemia depends on the type and level of disease and tailored for each patient. In general, chemotherapy-the use of drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells are the main treatment for acute or chronic leukemia. In acute leukemia, intensive chemotherapy and the use of some drugs, either simultaneously or sequentially, to kill the leukemia cells as possible. Antibiotics and transfusions of red blood cells and platelets help the blood to maintain a low number of patients who are dangerous because they received intensive chemotherapy.

Sometimes radiation is used to shrink the collection of leukemia cells that accumulate in various parts of the body, such as the lining of the brain and spinal cord in acute lymphocytic leukemia, or in the lymph nodes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. If not treated, a collection of cells on the lining of the brain and spinal cord can cause headaches, blurred vision, and confusion, and elsewhere in the body can cause swelling and pain from the affected area.

Especially in younger patients, if doctors determine that chemotherapy alone is not likely to succeed or if the patients who relapsed after chemotherapy, allogeneic (genetically different) stem cell transplants can be performed. In this procedure, very intense total body irradiation or high dose chemotherapy or both were used. Chemotherapy and radiation designed to destroy all the leukemia cells in the body of the patient, but this treatment also destroys the blood-forming system in the bone marrow of patients. For this reason, the healthy stem cells, bone marrow cells that allow the formation of long-term blood, then be inserted into patients to replace blood-forming system. Stem cells must come from immunologically suitable donor, usually siblings, but if your game is not available, sometimes an unrelated donor may be sought. The latter can be identified from the database of voluntary donors. This database can be searched people with matching tissue types are identical or very close. Previously, stem cells can only be transplanted from donor bone marrow. This procedure is known as bone marrow transplants. Recent advances now enable to recover stem cells from blood, or from the placenta and umbilical cord blood ("cord blood") after giving birth to newborns, making the transplant procedure is much simpler and less risky for the donor. Cord-blood stem cells frozen, stored in a bank "," and can be used later for patients who need them. The number of stem cells in this sample may not be sufficient for larger adults and most commonly used for children or smaller adults who need transplants and in need of donors, unrelated match.

Unexpected effect of allogeneic stem cell transplant is what is known as the effect of graft-versus-leukemia. Immune cells recognize the donor antigen small tissue types (proteins that produce antibodies) that is incompatible with the recipient. This donor's immune cells attack the recipient's network, including leukemia cells and normal tissue. The attack on normal tissue recipients as a disease called graft-versus-host. This attack can be acute or chronic, and very mild or very severe. This is a serious complication that is not desirable from allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Graft-versus-leukemia-cells, on the other hand, is the desired effect and is responsible in part for some beneficial effects of transplantation, especially in patients who received transplants for treatment of acute or chronic myelocytic leukemia.

Transplantation is the most effective in children and young adults; in older adults are often too dangerous a procedure to apply. A transplant approach called non-myeloablative stem cells are being tested on older patients. Here's a very mild pretreatment with chemotherapy or radiation is used, whereas the anti-immune therapy based on the immune system to prevent recipients from stem cells reject donor. Stock graft-versus-leukemia who relied on as a substitute for intensive therapy given before transplantation for leukemia standards.

Immunotherapy is a promising new approach for treating leukemia. With this technique, highly specific molecules known as monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory to the target molecule on the surface of leukemia cells. Antibody itself may kill leukemia cells, or radioactive substances or toxic cells attached to the antibody can kill leukemia cells, when injected intravenously into the patient. This method provides an easy way to deliver immediate radioactive or toxic substance into the leukemia cells, which may kill cells with minimal effect on healthy cells.

The objective in the treatment of acute leukemia is to kill leukemia cells is sufficient to produce remission, which means that the production of red blood cells no longer suppressed, blood cell counts returned to normal, and patient symptoms decreased. At that stage, further therapy is used to try to extend the reach remission or cure. Approximately 80 percent of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia can be cured. Cure rate of acute myelocytic leukemia is estimated at around 40 percent in children but much lower in adults depending on their age. Because most patients more than 65 years when they develop the disease, treatment is rare.

In chronic leukemia, the cure is rare, but the current chemotherapy regimens have improved survival in patients with an average of about three years to more than six years. chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the most lazy form may not require treatment and may not progress or a serious health consequences for patients. In patients with active or progressive disease, new drugs and types of available monoclonal antibodies to treat disease. In chronic myelocytic leukemia, dramatic advances in therapy involves the introduction of drugs that specifically target leukemia causes changes in bone marrow cells. The introduction of this treatment has been projected to increase survival for more than a decade on average. Young patients with diseases that have an appropriate stem cell donor can be cured by stem cell transplantation.

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Original article

Childhood Cancer Diagnosis - What Next?

There you stand, either in the pediatrician's office or the emergency room, receiving the most horrific news imaginable that being the news that your child has a life threatening disease.

As most doctors do they tell you they are going to give you and your family a moment to digest what you have just been told. As you then look upon your child, who is looking up at you, confused and scared, you are hit with a barrage of questions. Why, how, and what next?

After the doctors have concluded the seemingly endless barrage of tests on your child, he/she and the rest of the medical staff give you the infamous "road map." This road map is supposed to tell you how your child will be treated depending on their disease and the severity of said disease. Often this road map leaves you with more questions than answers.

Then your child is finally released from the hospital and sent home to await your next visit to the surgical room, infusion center, and clinic for labs or wherever your chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments are conducted. It is this down time that a familiar question comes floating back into your mind.... What next?

What next? Information gathering, entrust your child to the doctor, pray to God? It is imperative to learn as much about your child's illness as possible. Learn the affects, side effects, pros and cons of each drug used. Do not be afraid to question everything the medical staff is doing. If it doesn't make sense, ask for explanations, clarification and reconfirm with other medical staff. Do not overlook your parental instincts after all, you know your child the best and do not allow someone else to tell you otherwise. At first they may try to back you down or appease you and may even try to confuse you with medical jargon, but soon they will realize that you are not the kind of parent that sits on the sidelines and gives the doctors carte blanche in the faith and trust department. It is only through this vigilance that your child will receive the best treatment possible. You must be your child's patient advocate.

Original article

Chemotherapy and Bloodletting

The goal of chemotherapy is to kill part of a cancer patient's body without killing the patient. It involves lethal drugs that do serious damage, hence the side effects. The drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that controls cell division. If cells are unable to divide, they die. Healthy cells grow back; hopefully the cancer cells won't.

Pharmaceuticals are risky business. Having them prescribed and monitored by a doctor is a safeguard, but it doesn't make them safe. In her book, Another Day in the Frontal Lobe, neurosurgeon Katrina Firkin notes that,

Anything strong enough to help you is strong enough to hurt you. No treatment, at least no worthwhile treatment, comes without risk. Even natural supplements, if you take unnaturally large amounts, can have untoward effects... There are plenty of medications that work wonders without us having a clear idea as to how or why they work. To me, that means there are probably other things those drugs are doing that we may not expect. It would be unlikely for a drug to have one and only one effect on the body. That's not how the body works. One physiological mechanism can mediate numerous different functions. One natural chemical, blocked or enhanced by a certain drug, may have dozens of different targets. Those targets are probably not all figured out yet.

It's a Faustian bargain, but I've adopted Dr. Firkin's approach, "I'll take a medication when I need it, when the time comes, if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. But I won't expect to get something for nothing."

Bloodletting

A hundred years from now chemotherapy may be looked back upon with the same aversion we have to bloodletting today as a barbarous rite of pre-enlightened medicine. For almost 2,000 years sincere physicians drained copious amounts of the vital fluid to relieve their patients of "bad blood."

The practice was supported by the best scientific minds of the time and based on observation of the body itself, specifically menstruation. None other than the father of medicine, Hippocrates-who gave us the word "cancer"-believed menstruation purged women of bad humors. His most famous student, Galen, began physician-initiated bloodletting in the second century.

Bloodletting was once used to treat cancer, along with everything else from cholera to diabetes, herpes to leprosy, plague to pneumonia, and scurvy to smallpox. The earliest recorded cancer treatment comes from the Egyptians, who used a "fire drill" to cauterize tumors. Medical science lurches forward by trial and error.

Even great advances sometimes have unforeseen consequences. A popular theory regarding how AIDS entered the human population posits that it came from chimps whose organs and fluids were used in culturing a strand of oral polio vaccine used in the Congo, the epicenter of the pandemic.

Never mind inadvertent danger, modern chemo causes lots of collateral damage. It is a shotgun that indiscriminately kills both terrorists and hostages. But for many forms of cancer, it's the best weapon we have right now.

Chemo is one of those things in life for which a stunt double would be absolutely great. Other experiences where a stand-in would be wonderful are:

childbirthIRS auditsroot canalsprostate exams(add your least favorite activity here)

Mike Hamel is the author of more than a dozen books and the blog, OPEN Mike, http://mikehamel.wordpress.com/. He is also a cancer survivor.

Original article

Diagnosing Lymph Node Cancer

Lymph node cancer or lymphoma is a serious medical condition, and if you are suspecting of having this disease you should see your doctor immediately. Unlike many other cancers that are found in tumors only in specific location in the body, lymph node cancer usually spreads through the body.

When you first get lymphoma, you will most likely suffer from swollen lymph nodes. They can appear pretty much anywhere- underarms, groin and even in your neck. However, swelling is quite common with many other diseases, so in order to diagnose you properly doctor must do a biopsy.

Biopsy means that a part of your node is removed surgically and then studied in the laboratory. In most cases biopsy for lymphoma can be done under local anesthetic. After that pathologist will examine your tissue sample in the laboratory to see if your cells have been affected by cancer. If that is the case he will identify the exact type of lymphoma you are suffering from. There are 43 types of lymphomas, and your doctor needs to find out which type you have to treat you properly.

Once the biopsy has been done, and your test results come back positive, your doctor will carry out more tests to find out the extent of the spread. Like with many other types of cancer, disease development is divided into 4 groups- stage 1 being the least advanced and stage 4 being the most advanced. Depending on how far your cancer has spread different treatment methods will be considered.

If you are suspecting of having this type of cancer yourself, or would like to know more about this disease you need to visit Lymph Node Cancer. Info to find out how this cruel sickness may affect you, or at lease put your mind at ease if you don't suffer from Lymphoma.

Lymph Node Cancer website brings you all the information you need know about lymph node cancer (lymphoma) and what are the causes, symptoms and treatment options out there.

Original article

The Dreaded Disease Called Leukemia

Cancer regardless of the type is a terrible disease feared and dreaded by the human race, more so because there is still no cure for it. And leukemia is the type of cancer that affects the blood cells, it is basically cancer of the blood or the bone marrow. It is generally typified by the unusual increase in the number of white blood cells. There are different types of leukemia and they are categorized according to how soon the disease progresses and become worse. There are two main forms of the disease, acute and chronic leukemia.

Acute leukemia is typified by the speedy increase of white cells that prevents the bone marrow from generating healthy blood cells. In the case of this form of the disease the patient needs immediate treatment due to the collection and increase of malignant cells. These sick cells flow over into the blood stream and extend to the different organs inside the body. This is more commonly found in children.

The chronic form of the disease is the accumulation of considerably mature, but all the same abnormal white cells that take months or even years to develop. However these white cells are generated faster than the normal cells, so eventually there is an excess of them in the blood. While acute form of the illness requires immediate treatment, the chronic cases are often monitored for a while before administering treatment to make certain that the treatment gives the best results.

Leukemia patients are generally treated only in medical centers that have the requisite equipment to treat cancer patients. Their treatment will depend largely on the type of the disease, age, overall health conditions etc. By and large treatments are divided into two, the treatment to battle the disease and the treatment to give the patient relief from the symptoms and relief from the side effects thereof. The most commonly and widely accepted treatment for leukemia is chemotherapy which is the utilization of extremely strong drugs that will kill the malignant cells.

The exact causes of the disease is not known, but it is believed that smoking can contribute as a factor and long term exposure to chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde and extended exposure to radiation can also be considered causes.

The author is a blogger and she write regularly on health related topics.

Original article

What Cancer Patients Must Be Aware Of

One of the greatest mysteries on earth is the occurrence of cancer. It has been known worldwide and almost all human beings are very much terrified when it comes to this issue. It is also one of the most leading types of illness that has killed millions of people in just a short period of time. It has been discovered by the scientist long time ago but its birth still remains a mystery even up to this moment.

Scientists and doctors are trying their very best to trace the origin of cancer. The information and researches about this type of disease can be found in books and even in the internet. There are already millions of articles about cancer and its causes that have been published in order to inform the public. There are also several campaigns that are being introduced to the public to fight cancer. Their main objective is to make people aware that cancer does not choose its victims. It can occur to any person regardless of your age or race.

Almost all people have something to comment or say about cancer. There are rooms of information that has been shared to the public. Some of these bunches of information are true and some are not. Even though some people are not well-informed about the origins and causes of cancer they are still aware with the idea that this type of disease can truly bring them to death. In fact they are thinking that there is no cure for cancer. They also believe that a person with cancer has nothing to hope for. They are misguided with the idea that once you already have cancer you will no longer live a longer and normal life.

It is indeed true that it is very difficult to have cancer. This kind of disease has something to do with genetics. This type of illness runs in the family. It can be inherited by any member of the family. It is because cancer cells can also penetrate the DNA of a patient. Children whose parents were diagnosed with cancer have a higher possibility to develop or acquire cancer.

One of the oldest method or ways to treat cancer is chemotherapy. It is the process of getting rid of cancer cells using specific types of drugs. Drugs that are being used during chemotherapy are intended to slow down or even destroy and stop the growth of cancer cells in the body. It has been used as one of the most effective ways of treating cancer.

Nowadays scientist managed to discover a new way of treating cancer with the help of technology. One of the latest methods of preventing cancer cells is radiation. Radiation has been known to eliminate and destroy cancer cells in a short period of time. A therapy using radiation has been introduced to patients with this kind of illness especially those who are suffering from prostate cancer. The good thing about radiation is that it can specifically target and get rid of cancer cells.

You should be more cautious about your health. If you experience the early symptoms of prostate cancer you must be aware with its negative effects. The only way to survive from this type of disease is to know about the its latest treatments, never take it for granted. You should not avoid yourself from the medical experts. Don't let your family suffer because of your own negligence. Click here for more details about the discreet its discreet symptoms.

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Everything You Need to Know About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

NHL is a malignant tumour that originates from the lymphatic system.

Let's give a brief introduction about the lymphatic system:

It consists of lymphoid organs (as bone marrow, thymus, lymph node) and lymph vessels. When a malignant tumour arises from the lymphatic system, it is called Lymphoma.

What are the causes of NHL?

The definite cause is unknown but it has been linked to some viruses and toxins as benzene and pesticides.

Now let's talk about a general simplified view of the mechanism of this cancer.

This cancer causes production of lots of abnormal lymphocytes. A normal lymphocyte has a life span but the abnormal one doesn't. These lymphocytes continue to grow and divide until they cause crowding of the lymph nodes. As a result, lymph nodes get enlarged.

Symptoms include:

- Painless enlarged nodes (usually cervical or supraclavicular nodes).
- Systemic symptoms as fever, night sweats and weight loss.
- Abdominal pain or swelling.

What are the risk factors?

Individuals who are old aged or taking immunosuppressive drugs or using insecticides are at a higher risk of developing Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is classified according to "The Working Formulation" into:

- Low grade lymphoma
- Intermediate grade lymphoma
- High grade lymphoma

The treatment depends on the histological findings. In general, it may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, total neck irradiation. Besides there is stem cell transplant. There are certain medications that can augment the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope you benefited from it. Please spread the symptoms because it's incidence is increasing worldwide.

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Surviving Chemo - The Best Diet to Follow During Chemotherapy

Sugar is one of cancer's favorite foods. By eliminating sugar from your diet, you can boost your body's immune systems.

Many studies show lowering sugar intake is paramount to the health of cancer patients. Glucose has been shown to assist in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. Initially, elimination of sugar in the diet leaves the patient feeling more deprived by the lack of taste in ordinary foods. Our society is littered with over-processed, high carbohydrate foods. Our taste buds have become so familiar with overly sweetened foods that healthy, quality, natural foods taste bland. Combine the genetic engineering of our food crops that produce bland, even colorless fruits and vegetables. Imagine that you grew up in the 1900's when fruits and vegetables tasted sweet naturally. You can taste the natural sweetness of foods again.

Miracle Fruit is a tropical fruit used in Africa for centuries. The local indigenous people pick the fruit, rub it on their tongue to offset the bitterness in their natural diet. After rubbing the fruit on the tongue a lemons taste shockingly sweet, like sweet lemonade. We experience this effect everyday. Have you ever noticed foods tasting different or off after chewing gum, eating cranberries? Temporarily milk and orange juice taste funny. This same temporary taste alteration we experience all the time, but we simply dismiss it.

Although Miracle Fruit berries are available, they are costly and spoilage is a problem. They generally need to be shipped with dry ice and have a 2 day shelf life. The alternative, Miracle Fruit freeze dried tablets, are a high quality alternative. They are inspected for contaminants that may accompany fresh fruits. Tablets are under a calorie and generally have a 1-2 year shelf life.

Dr. Cusnir, from the Mt. Sinai Medical Center has been studying the effects of Miracle Fruit on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Many Chemotherapy patients experience an unpleasant metallic aftertaste. This decreases their desire to eat, thus aggravating their ability to maintain proper weight levels. In his initial study, he discovered that in many cases, Miracle Fruit offset the metallic taste, resulting in food tasting more palatable and eating more appealing.

Weight-loss is a major concern for cancer patients undergoing chemo treatments. The ability to enhance the appeal of natural food is a plus for the health and survivability of cancer patients.

Consuming more natural fruits and vegetables can improve the health of all individuals and benefit our society as a whole. The obesity epidemic has far reaching concerns in the medical field, from diabetes to high blood pressure. Miracle Fruit can benefit everyone in our quest to maintain a healthy living style by enhancing the taste of natural foods.

http://www.miraclefruitmn.com/ Offers high quality Miracle Fruit in a freeze dried tablet form and ISO 9001/HACCP quality standard for purity. The tablets are less than 1 cal., offer a Miracle Fruit with a longer shelf life. Many Chemo patients find food tastes more appealing when they use Miracle Frooties before eating.

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