Cancer/Oncology

ABOUT CANCER

Cancer is a medical condition where there is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells which further form into tumors and start abnormal functioning of the organs. In the latter stages of disease, the cancer cells can spread to surrounding areas and different areas of the body. Early diagnosis can help in thorough understanding, prevention, and treatment. This diesease can be caused by different factors including lifestyle and genetic factors.

CAUSES

There are various causes of cancer. Some of them are:

• Genetic factors that risk the occurrence of certain types of cancer in individuals.
• Environmental exposure to smoke, pollutants, and certain chemicals that might lead to the disease.
• Infections such as HPV and hepatitis might increase the risk of the disease.
• Bad lifestyle including smoking and drinking and not taking proper diet.
• In some cases, a weakened immune system which is common in HIV and post-transplant patients might lead to the occurrence of disease.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of cancer depend on the stage and specific type of the cancer. However, the common signs are:

• Persistent coughing
• Yellow or pale skin
• Changes in bowel movements
• Continuous fatigue
• Difficulty in swallowing for a long time
• Chronic pain
• Extreme unexplained weight loss

DRUGS FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Oncology drugs are used for the treatment of cancer and involve different types of medication. Cancer treatment is slowly and steadily improving and evolving. Your doctor will recommend the best medicine for cancer depending on the stage. The following are the types of Oncology drugs:

CHEMOTHERAPY

Cancer cells grow, divide, and spread rapidly. Chemotherapy drugs are a type of cancer treatment medication that destroys the fast-growing cancer cells through a certain chemical agent. This medication can be taken orally, through injections, or intravenously. Common chemotherapy drugs include Paclitaxel for lungs, ovary, and breast cancer and Cisplatin for testicular and bladder cancers.

IMMUNOTHERAPY

Immunotherapy is a kind of oncology drug where the body’s immune system is enhanced which helps in recognizing and destroying cancer cells using the body’s immune system. A few common immunotherapy medications include Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab, and Rituximab.

TARGETED THERAPY

Targeted therapy also known as personalized medicine, disrupts and blocks the molecular pathways involved in cancer growth and kills them without harming the other cells of the body. Common medications involved in this type of therapy include Imatinib, Trastuzumab, Alectinib, and Bevacizumab.

HORMONE THERAPY

Hormone therapy is a type of cancer meds that is commonly used in breast and prostate cancer which are hormone-sensitive types of cancer. The medication works by modifying the hormone levels and reducing the growth of cancer cells. The medication used in this oncology drug includes Tamoxifen and Enzalutamide.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF ONCOLOGY DRUGS

The medications used in the treatment have some benefits and along with comes the side effects as well. Depending on the type and stage of cancer an individual has, these drugs might:

•       Prevent from spreading of cancer cells in different parts of the body.
•       Cure cancer.
•       Reduces the growth of cancer.
•       Destroys cancer cells that might be left post-surgery.
•       Shrink or reduce the size of the tumor, if any, so that it can be removed with the help of surgery.

On the other hand, there are some side effects which are:

•       Hair loss
•       Nausea
•       Fatigue
•       Vomiting
•       Reduced number of white blood cells
•       Rash
•       Loss of appetite
•       Mood swings
•       Flu-like symptoms, and others.

Top Selling Products of Cancer Medicine

• Mitomycin 2 Injection 2mg
• Clokeran 5mg Tablet 30’S
• Folitrax 2.5mg Tablet 50’S
• FLUO 1% Cream 10gm

FAQs

Can the medication cure all types of cancers?

The effectiveness of the medication depends on the type and stage of cancer an individual has. However, you will be provided with the best medicine for the treatment of cancer.

How can we take cancer medications?

The cancer meds are given orally, intravenously, topically, or through injections depending on the type of cancer.