OrganizedWisdom Health - Brain Cancer

Radiation Necrosis Treatment

Jkg0679 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:22:59 GMT

Treatment for radiation necrosis of the brain may include hyperbaric oxygen, surgery, corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, or simple observation of the patient. Radiation necrosis is a potential side effect of radiology treatment for brain tumors.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Radiation_Necrosis_Treatment

Hand-Foot Syndrome

Jkg0679 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:08:41 GMT

Hand-foot syndrome is a side effect of chemotherapy that causes a skin reaction that appears on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. Symptoms of hand-foot syndrome include tingling or numbness, swelling, redness, peeling skin, and tenderness or pain. Blistering can occur if there is no change in treatment.

Fast Facts:

Hand-foot syndrome typically occurs within a few weeks of beginning chemotherapy, although it can appear at any time.
Hand-foot syndrome can be treated by changing treatment, or taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, corticosteroids, and/or vitamin B6.
Hand-foot syndrome may be prevented by changes in activities and clothing, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding caffeine.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Hand-Foot_Syndrome

Remission

Jkg0679 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:22:33 GMT

Remission occurs when a disease is responding well to treatment and symptoms disappear. This term commonly refers to cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), though other conditions can go into remission. Remission does not mean that the disease is cured, and symptoms can reoccur at some point in the future.

Fast Facts:

Partial remission is the term used when most, but not all, of the symptoms have improved.
Complete remission is the term used when symptoms disappear completely.
Remssions can last anywhere from several weeks to many years.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Remission

Ted Kennedy Died From Brain Cancer

TaraSal — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:28:45 GMT

Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, known as "Ted" or "Teddy," has passed away after a battle with brain cancer. President Barack Obama hailed Edward Kennedy as "the greatest United States senator of our time." He was 77.

Fast Facts:

Ted was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May of 2008.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 12,920 people (7,330 men and 5,590 women) will die from these tumors in 2009.
He was known as the "liberal lion" of the Senate.
Kennedy had been very involved in the cause of health care reform.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Ted_Kennedy_Died_From_Brain_Cancer

Robert Novak Dead of Brain Cancer

AmyS — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:50:45 GMT

Conservative political commentator and columnist Robert Novak has passed away on August 18, 2009. Novak retired a year ago after revealing that he was suffering from a malignant brain tumor. He passed away in his home after a long fight with brain cancer.

Fast Facts:

He was 78 years old at the time of his death.
In 2003, Novak was involved in the exposure of CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson after publishing his column, revealing her CIA status.
It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that around 22,070 brain or spinal cord tumors will be diagnosed in 2009.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Robert_Novak_Dead_of_Brain_Cancer

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

BrianGS — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:12:54 GMT

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a type of abnormal patterned breathing that is characterized by a cyclical fluctuation of alternating apnea (cessation of breathing) and tachypnea (rapid but shallow breathing) or hyperpnea (faster and deeper breathing). The pattern most likely results from damage to or impaired oxygen delivery to the respiratory control center within the brain. Cheyne-Stokes respiration can be seen in patients with advanced heart failure, stroke, brain tumors, carbon monoxide poisoning, or after morphine administration. Terminally-ill patients, nearing death, frequently display Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

Fast Facts:

Nineteenth century physicians John Cheyne and William Stokes were credited for first describing the condition that bears their names.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration is sometimes also seen in newborns with immature or underdeveloped lungs.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration can be a common finding along with central sleep apnea in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Cheyne-Stokes_Respiration

Chemotherapy

AmyS — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:18:39 GMT

Chemotherapy, also known as cytotoxic therapy, is the treatment of cancer with drugs that destroy cancer cells. These drugs often are referred to as "anticancer" drugs. Chemotherapy affects all parts of the body, not just cancer cells. Anticancer drugs work by stopping the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Fast Facts

There are many different types of drugs used in chemotherapy. Examples of commonly used drugs include doxorubicin, methotrexate, gemcitabine, and cyclophosphamide.
Chemotherapy can be used in different ways. Neoadjuvant therapy is used before surgery to shrink a tumor. Adjuvant therapy is used after surgery to reduce the risk of the tumor returning. Chemotherapy may be used at the start of cancer treatment or as treatment for cancer that has returned.
It is administered in three ways; intravenously, orally, and through an injection.
Nausea, pain, fatigue, depression, hair loss, and weakness are a few common side effects of chemotherapy.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Chemotherapy

FDA Approved Avastin for Brain Cancer Treatment

Crdelucas — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:16:45 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued accelerated approval for Avastin (bevacizumab) on May 5, 2009. It is a new treatment for glioblastoma brain cancer which affects approximately 10,000 people in the United States annually. Avastin is the first drug in over ten years approved for this type of brain cancer, the most deadly form with an average survival rate of 14.6 months. Approximately 36 percent of patients treated with Avastin and 52 percent of patients treated with combination chemotherapy showed no advancement of the disease within a six month time period.

Fast Facts:

Approximately 21,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with brain cancer yearly.
Genentech is the manufacturer of Avastin, located in South San Francisco, California.
Avastin was approved after two clinical trials with over 200 glioblastoma patients.
Avastin was previously approved for colorectal, lung, and breast cancer.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/FDA_Approved_Avastin_for_Brain_Cancer_Treatment

Study Predicts Large Increase in Cancer Cases

SScroggins — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:24:24 GMT

Researchers recently announced that the number of new cancer cases in the United States will rise by 45% in the next 20 years. A study at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas estimates approximately 2.3 million cancer cases in 2030, while 1.6 million cases are expected in 2010. Researchers believe that seniors and minorities will be most likely to be diagnosed.

Fast Facts:

Researchers believe that there will be a large increase in the number of stomach, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
It is important to note that some cancers can be prevented in many cases by living a healthy lifestyle.
Up to 38% of breast cancers and 45% of bowel cancers can be prevented by lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Study_Predicts_Large_Increase_in_Cancer_Cases

Amethopterin

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:29:36 GMT

Amethopterin is the name formerly given to the cancer-fighting drug methotrexate. Common side effects associated with the use of amethopterin include: bone marrow suppression, anemia, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and fatigue. Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and headache may also occur.

Fast Facts:

Some side effects of amethopterin may not occur at the time of treatment, only to appear months or even years later.
Amethopterin is commonly used to treat cancer of the breast, brain, cervix, esophagus, ovaries, pancreas, and many others.
Amethopterin may be administered via tablet, injection, or intravenous solution.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Amethopterin