ER/PR positive Breast Cancer, heard before? It is worth reading and spreading a word about. <br> <br>Breast Cancer is one of the rapidly growing and perhaps the cancer with the highest incidences in the Indian subcontinent. It has emerged as a socio-economic issue beyond its atrocious physical attributes. Due to the late-stage presentation or late diagnosis in over 60%-70% of women, the treatment outcomes are often compromised. However, with the recent advances in the way breast cancers are treated worldwide, we are able to achieve reasonably good results in patients who come to us with the affected breasts, with or without the involvement of secondary organs. <br> <br>Diagnosis of Hormone Positive Breast Cancer is in fact a matter of encouragement for us, the cancer specialists, and more prominently for women who are suffering with it. This encouragement is due to the predictability of the relatively better treatment outcomes &amp; the availability of non-chemotherapy treatment options for this subtype of disease. Hormone Positive Breast Cancer prevails to an extent of 70%-75% of the total breast cancers worldwide and India is no exception. <br> <br>To understand what is hormone positive breast cancer, we need to understand the biology of female body. Female gender develops under the influence of female hormones called Estrogen and Progesterone. When cancer in the breasts develops or begin to grow under the influence of these hormones, it is called Hormone Positive Breast Cancer. Such cancers carry significant number of Estrogen and Progesterone receptors in the breast to develop an abnormality. <br> <br>Hormone positivity is considered to be a low risk factor in breast cancer victims; therefore, oncologists can predict reasonably better treatment results in such patients. More importantly, after completion of a brief schedule of chemotherapy depending on the stage of a cancer, patients can continue to take what is popularly called as hormonal therapy tablets. Hormone therapy can be termed as a primitive form of precision medicine which specifically targets hormone receptors to control the development, redevelopment or progression of cancer for a significantly longer time, unlike chemotherapy that is non-specific in nature. It is indeed magical to see how a small tablet of hormonal treatment can control a dreadful disease with minimal or negligible side effects. <br> <br>Very recently, scientists have discovered newer hormonal therapies with improved efficiency that potentially work wonders in cancers that are spread to other organs beyond breast. These are cheerful developments in hormone positive breast cancer management and I am sure patients will benefit a lot out of them. <br> <br>Dr. Pradip Kendre, DNB, DM <br>Consultant Medical Oncologist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Borivali &amp; Malad <br>9920767626 | 7506128787 <br>[a]www.mocindia.co.in[/a]

Prostate is a male gland with a size and shape that of a walnut, situated below the urinary bladder and just in front of the rectum. Prostate gland plays an important role in the male body i.e. production of semen, a milky fluid that carries sperms from testicles through penis when a man ejaculate. Prostate surrounds the part of the tube called urethra that carries urine out of the bladder and through the penis. <br> <br>Usually, prostate gland grows in size with the age and sometimes, it squeezes the urethra and can cause problems in passing urine. Some men can have these urinary symptoms as early as into their 30s or 40s and require immediate medical attention. For many men, such symptoms are only identified in much later age. Other than the age, &#039;Infection to Prostate&#039; or &#039;Cancer of Prostate&#039; can also cause inflammation or enlargement of Prostate. <br> <br>Individuals with enlargement of prostate gland may experience following symptoms: <br>- Increased frequency of passing urine <br>- Sense of urgency of passing urine <br>- Urge to pass urine during night; also called as Nocturia <br>- Altered or less urine flow <br>- Burning sensation while passing urine <br>- Blood in the Urine or semen <br>- Painful ejaculation <br>- Pain in the back or waist bone <br>It is important to note that not all symptoms that signify abnormal prostate changes are cancer. However, they should be vigilant about these symptoms and they should report these to their doctor for further examination without any delay. <br> <br>There are 3 most common problems related to prostate that an individual may experience as he grows older: <br>- Inflammation of Prostate (Prostatitis)- It is an inflammation of the prostate gland that may result from Bacterial infection. It is a common condition which affects over 50% men at least once in their lifetime. It is an absolutely treatable and curable condition. <br>- Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia or BPH)- Hyperplasia signifies abnormal cell growth in the prostate gland however it is not a cancer. The symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer are similar or common many a times. <br>- Prostate Cancer- It is typically the cancerous growth in the prostate gland which can be examined and proven on biopsy. <br>Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer as compared to most other cancers. The cancerous changes in the cell begin 20-30 years before the tumor grows to a significant size to cause symptoms. Slowly, these cancer cells extend / grow beyond the prostate gland to nearby lymph nodes, bones and organs like Liver, Lungs etc. which can also be termed as metastasis. In India, over 20000 new patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year as per the estimates of Globocon and World health organization. Typical symptoms of prostate cancer are already mentioned above for the benefit of the readers. <br> <br>Dr. Udip Maheshwari <br>Consultant Medical Oncologist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Ghatkopar &amp; Sion <br>9769861787 | 7677434237 <br>[email protected] <br>[a]https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocindia.co.in%2F[/a]

Kaposi&#039;s Sarcoma, a rare form of skin cancer was found in few homosexual men in 1981 and introduced to the medical fraternity a newly identified medical condition called AIDS related Kaposi&#039;s Sarcoma. It went to an extent of being identified as an &#039;AIDS defining cancer&#039;. Extensive research has gone into establishing a link between HIV &amp; Cancer. Acquired Immno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a manifestation of a virus named Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus that enters into human body and damages the immune system. HIV can remain present in the body for a long time before it can cause significant damage to the immune system in human beings. The said damage to the immune system can be explained as lowering the count of CD4+ T cells that helps fight infection in the body. Till the time AIDS becomes clinically evident (begins showing symptoms), the person infected with HIV remains a carrier of HIV &amp; this makes such carriers susceptible to catching infection by cancer causing viruses like Kaposi&#039;s Sarcoma Herpvirus or Human Papillomavirus. <br> <br>For many years now, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Cervical Cancer are also observed in people with HIV / AIDS and happened to be termed as AIDS defining cancers. It implies that when a person is diagnosed with one of these cancers, AIDS has likely developed. AIDS has been treated with combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) for over 2 decades and it has efficiently fought HIV and maintained the immune system of patients working fine against the risk of cancer-causing viruses and otherwise. <br> <br>AIDS related Kaposi&#039;s Sacroma is predominantly a disease of the western society. In India, the incidences of Kaposi&#039;s Sarcoma are rare though the burden of AIDS in India is almost the second, next to sub-saharan Africa and Human Herpvirus- 8 which is a Kaposi&#039;s Sarcoma related virus is known to be prevalent here. On a contrary, Lung Cancer, Liver Cancer, Hodgkin&#039;s Lymphoma, Anal Cancer &amp; Head &amp; Neck Cancer are some of the non-AIDS defining cancers and they are quite common in HIV-positive population. Risk factors for these cancers are smoking, chronic inflammation due to HIV and presence of other viruses like Epstein-Barr Virus, Hepatitis B &amp; C etc. <br> <br>Cancer screening has a pivotal role in improving outcomes in patients with HIV related cancers. It is recommended for example that those women identified to be HIV-positive should get the PAP smear test done every year to screen themselves for cervical cancer. After 3 consecutive normal PAP tests, the frequency of screening in such women can be reduced to every 3 years. <br> <br>It is important that those diagnosed as HIV positive should take their combination anti-retroviral treatment without any disruption in order to reduce the risk of cancer-causing viruses &amp; other infections. For those with such HIV related cancers, infection treating team of doctors and oncologists / cancer specialists work together in a multidisciplinary fashion to offer patients an optimal management plan to control both the diseases. <br> <br>Dr. Vashishth Maniar, MD DM ECMO <br>Consultant Medical Oncologist / Cancer Specialist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Ghatkopar <br>9984899700 | 9769707204 | 022-21020017 <br>[email protected] <br>[a]https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocindia.co.in%2F[/a]

Cancer Care has metamorphosed to become a highly micro-specialized multidisciplinary affair that demands a competently coordinated efforts among Surgical Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists along with Onco-Nutritionists, Genetic Counselors, Rehabilitation Experts and many other treatment support functions to offer cancer patient an optimum cancer care with highest standards. Each of these modalities of ever progressing cancer treatment has richly evolved to unimaginable advancements that patients need none but the specialist of a kind who understands a particular treatment modality in its deepest sense, content and the context. Multitasking Oncologist is a phenomenon of bygone era! <br> <br>Medical management of cancer is the cornerstone of cancer treatment which can significantly improve the outcomes in cancer care if employed at the right time &amp; in the right manner along with other modalities like surgery and radiotherapy. Moreover, proximity or an accessibility of a specialized facility dedicated for cancer care offers an unparallel comfort to cancer patients. All of this can only be achieved in the most efficient &amp; most importantly in the cost-effective manner in a decentralized, differential or a customized, state-of-the-art delivery model, using the collective wisdom of the highly qualified and highly experienced team of healthcare practitioners; Medical Oncologists in this context. <br> <br>&quot;Hope Cancer Institute &amp; Research Centre&quot;, a decade old, trusted name for cancer care in Nashik is adapting an innovative oncocare delivery model by joining hands with a cancer daycare major from Mumbai titled &quot;Mumbai Oncocare Centre&quot;. Mumbai Oncocare Centre is an innovative, state-of-the art &amp; perhaps the largest chain of Cancer Daycare Centers in Mumbai having all that is required for delivering medical interventions of highest standard in cancer care; available under one roof and in a cost-effective manner. The commitment to provide comprehensive cancer care is a shared vision and a common trait among two of us who are being unified for a cause. <br> <br>Salient features of the conglomerate will be as follows: <br>- Collective wisdom of 9 highly qualified and richly experienced medical oncologists <br>- State-of-the-art oncology infrastructure best adapted to suit the economies of scale in India <br>- Best of the paramedical human resources trained to efficiently deliver cancer treatment <br>- Improving access to cancer treatment in Nashik and adjoining regions by creating a vividly notable option for patients <br>- Value added services in cancer care to make a comprehensive offering for cancer patients <br>I am confident that Hope-MOC will improve accessibility, affordability, proximity &amp; flexibility without compromising quality of care for cancer patients as we begin our joint operations from 3rd January 2021. <br> <br>Dr. Chandrashekhar Pethe <br>Sr. Consultant Medical Oncologist <br>Hope-Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Nashik <br>0253-2510127 | 9322949845 <br>[email protected] <br>[a]https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocindia.co.in%2F[/a]

She carries the responsibility of the entire family on her shoulders yet remains ignored or taken for granted on most of the occasions. Her contribution to our families is assumed and not acknowledged. She is the only binding factors who holds everyone in the family together making us a part of the comprehensive economic unit called family, a trademark of Indian society. I am referring to Mother, a living god on every earth, an epitome of care and compassion present in every family. Her presence makes and absence breaks the family, so is her importance. Every one of us will stand by my observations. <br> <br>It is not only knowing her importance but being sensitive to her needs, problems matters the most. Those problems can be of any nature and intensity, however, the readiness of her family members towards helping her makes it all. One of such problem that I would like to bring to the surface through my blog is Cancer. Cancer in women has a social impact beyond physical troubles. When she suffers from such a dreadful disease, entire family collapses. <br> <br>In Indian women, cancer of breast, cervix &amp; ovary are most common and its incidence is increasing every year. Currently, there are about 165000 new cases of breast cancer and 95000 new cases of cervical cancer are found in India every year. Some of these cancers are preventable to a great extent provided females are given right education, awareness, advice, and facilities at right time. Cervical cancer was prevalent in women in villages of India primarily due to poor hygiene of the urinary and vaginal tract and it has slowly moved to urban cities due to lifestyle changes. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the infection of the virus, &#039;Human Papilloma Virus&#039; (HPV) acquired by women due to various reasons. <br> <br>I must also bring out a sensitive yet important risk factor for cervical cancer here. An average age at which girl loses her virginity or becomes sexually active has dropped from 16-17 years a couple of decades ago to 12-13 years in the current era in India. It used to be a western trend which has entered our society out of the adoption of western lifestyle, especially in urban cities. An HPV infection is acquired by girls many a time through sexual transmission at a very early age as compared to earlier. The primary reason for such infection to girls is due to lack of awareness of safe and hygienic sex at that early age. Women who are exposed to multiple sex partners are at higher risk of developing HPV infection thereby cervical cancer if not treated well. Many females are unaware of the fact that cervical cancer vaccines are available in India for the purpose of prevention from HPV infections thereby cervical cancer. These vaccines are effective to a great extent if they are administered at the right age. Consultation of Gynecologist or Oncologist (Cancer treating physician) is recommended for an opinion before administration of this vaccine. <br> <br>Mumbai Oncocare Center in association with Manavata foundation, Shirdi, Maharashtra has initiated a drive named &#039;Cancer Free Mother (Cancer Mukta Aai)&#039; to prevent mothers in every house from developing cancer. Term Mother broadly includes females, those who are presently mothers and those who will become mothers in the future. Through this drive, we wish to make female in every family aware of symptoms and risk factors of cancer in women thereby either prevent them from happening through lifestyle modifications and adoption of healthy habits at the same time achieve early detection in cases where prevention is not possible. <br> <br>This initiative has started from Shirdi with a long-term objective to spread it to different parts of Maharashtra and India in near future. Currently, we have conducted many such awareness programs in Shirdi and outskirts of Shirdi at various forums and social units like small villages, schools, colleges etc. Our latest program was a step ahead in the process where we administered 30 cervical cancer vaccines to girls in Shirdi on 8th December 2018. Details of the program are available on our website [a]www.mocindia.co.in.[/a] Mumbai Oncocare Center and Manavata Foundation are committed to executing many such cancer awareness and prevention initiatives in future and we would like maximum females to benefit out of it. The announcements of our upcoming programs will be available on our website and in regional newspapers of that particular area. <br> <br>It is said that the Indian Society and Economy are feminine in character as the female in the family efficiently uses resources in the family at the same time binds all members together under one roof. Mumbai Oncocare Center is dedicated to such a need of every mother thereby strengthening families in India and the nation. <br> <br>Dr. Pradeep Kendre; MBBS. DNB. DM (Medical Oncology) <br>Medical and Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Center <br>[a]https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocindia.co.in%2F[/a]

In the view of recent approval for COVID-19 vaccines, we would like to share an important information regarding its implications to those patients suffering with, being treated for or survived over cancer. <br> <br>Patients with cancer as a disease group have been proven to be at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection. SARS-Cov-2 infection can potentially result in significant and devastating delays in screening, diagnosis and treatment in patients with cancer which can ultimately cause an increased risk of cancer-related morbidities and mortalities. Accumulated evidence from influenza vaccinations suggest that patients with cancer are able to mount a protective immune response from anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. <br> <br>None of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trails are enrolling patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, though data from some patients with cancer have been accrued. Most trials require patients to be off immunosuppression for a certain period in order to be eligible for vaccination. Live vaccines are, in general, contraindicated in patients under immunosuppressive therapy. <br> <br>Reduced protective effects may occur in patients treated with B cell-depleting agents (anti-CD19, anti-CD20, anti-CD10 monoclonal antibodies and CD19 CAR-T cells) in the view of suboptimal immune response. The level of efficacy may be expected to be generally reduced in certain populations of cancer patients such as post stem cell transplant patients. <br> <br>However, based on data extrapolation from other vaccines and the mechanism of action of the COVID-19 vaccines (not live), it is conceivable that the efficacy and safety of vaccination against COVID-19 may be estimated to be similar to that of patients without cancer; although the data from clinical trials are lacking. <br> <br>The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can also vary in patients with distinct contexts of malignant disease (tumor type, disease extent); however, the benefits of vaccination seem to significantly and substantially outweigh the risks. <br> <br>In patients receiving chemotherapy, seroconversion and seroprotection rates are expected to be lower than in the general population, but not in patients receiving Immunotherapy. Whenever possible, the administration of the vaccine should be performed before initiation of chemotherapy. <br> <br>In patients who have already initiated chemotherapy, the existing data do not support a specific timing of administration with respect to chemotherapy infusions. Close surveillance and monitoring of patients with cancer is required after COVID-19 vaccination to assess potential adverse events. <br> <br>How do the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work? <br>Our cells use messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce the various proteins our bodies need to function. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both use an mRNA sequence that codes for the unique spike protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once a person receives the vaccine, their cells take up that mRNA sequence and produce the COVID-19 spike protein. Their immune system then detects those proteins as foreign and creates antibodies against them, which helps provide protection from future COVID-19 infections. Preliminary data shows the observed side effects are very similar to the flu vaccine, such as pain at the injection site and fatigue. The following information is compiled from the STATEMENTS FOR VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER published by European Society for Medical Oncology. <br> <br>Dr. Smit Sheth <br>Consultant Medical Oncologist / Cancer Specialist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Thane <br>[email protected] <br>Appointments @ 02225301090 (Thane) / 9769769498 (Mulund) <br>[a]www.mocindia.co.in[/a]

BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2, the misbehavior of those post mutation can lead to breast, ovarian or prostate cancer and the subsequent inheritance can increase the risk of developing these cancers in descendants. Sounds like a &#039;Greek &amp; Latin&#039;? Let us understand more on this. <br> <br>BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 are the genes in our DNA, discovered about 25 years ago &amp; also called as &#039;Tumor Suppressor Genes&#039; whose function, simply put; is to produce a typical protein to ensure the stability of the cell&#039;s genetic material and to control the process of cell proliferation / cell division in the human body. Mutations, a kind of technical deformity in the designated mechanism of genes increases the probability of cells in the human body developing abnormal genetic changes that can lead to cancer. After years of research, discoveries and evolution, today we know that these 2 are common mutations found in breast &amp; ovarian cancers in females and a few other cancers like prostate cancer in men. Fortunately, we have the tests available for diagnosing mutations of BRCA 1, BRCA 2 and a few more genes that can increase the risk of these cancers. <br> <br>In case of breast and ovarian cancers, we observe that those with inherited mutations of BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 have a tendency to develop cancer at a much younger age than otherwise. &#039;HBOC&#039;; Hereditary Breast &amp; Ovarian Cancer Syndrome is a collective term used for breast, ovarian and a few more cancers that develop in patients with BRCA 2 mutation. The exact risk of developing each of these cancers may differ independently. About 10%-15% of breast &amp; ovarian breast cancers are considered to be hereditary and BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 are known to be the prime culprits in them. <br> <br>These tests as we call it in medical parlance have a prognostic and a predictive value. Simply put, the detailed understanding of such mutations is not only useful in understanding cancer biology and expected outcomes in cancer patients but can also help those at higher risk of developing cancer take informed decision on preventive measures. Cancer specialists or Oncologists can plan a personalized treatment based on the mutation status of BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 identified by an appropriate genetic test. Similarly, they can counsel patients and their families for the risk of hereditary cancers and may advise them the precautionary measures and screening protocols to minimize or early diagnose the risk of cancer in descendants. <br> <br>What are the tests available for BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 mutations? <br>It is a simple blood test that help detect potentially harmful mutations in BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 genes to assess patient&#039;s risk of developing cancer. There are many specialized labs that offer such a testing. <br> <br>Why to test? <br>The answers can be as simple as the following two: <br>- To know the risk of developing second cancer in patients who has already undergone treatment for a particular cancer. <br>- To know and prevent the risk of developing cancer if any of the family member has or had a history of bad BRCA genes and a related cancer. <br>Who should be tested? <br>US Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) in its latest recommendation statement of 2019 recommends that those women who have previously been treated for breast &amp; ovarian cancer should be offered BRCA 1 &amp; BRCA 2 testing to reduce the risk of developing second cancer. Those with positive results of this testing should also undergo genetic counseling for preventive and precautionary measures for immediate descendants. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) that develops evidence-based treatment guidelines for cancer treating physicians recommend in their latest guidelines that not only women but men should also be tested for BRCA related HBOC, including prostate &amp; pancreatic cancer. <br> <br>It is important that all patients with these cancers should discuss with their treating oncologist about the risk of developing second or hereditary cancers and subsequently the need for BRCA testing. <br> <br>Dr. Pritam Kalaskar, MD DM <br>Consultant Medical Oncologist / Cancer Specialist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Thane <br>Appointment @ 7400424333 / 022-25301090 <br>[email protected] <br>[a]https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocindia.co.in%2F[/a]

The term, &#039;Personalized Cancer Treatment&#039; is gaining an extraordinary importance and popularity among oncologists globally and in India to a large extent. It intends to offer optimum treatment to cancer patients based on the specific genetic abnormalities, the biological and the molecular characteristics of their cancer. This novel phenomenon is expected to transform the outlook of cancer treatment in future for the benefits of cancer patients. <br> <br>With the limited understanding of the cancer biology in the past, it was believed that all the cancers deriving from the same site / organ were biologically similar and the disease was classified on the basis of assessment of the cancerous cell-type under the microscope, the presence and size of a nearby (regional) lymph node affected by cancer, the distant spread of the cancer to other organs in the body and few other features observed on the tumor sample. E.g., Cancer of a lung if limited to lungs only can be classified as stage 1 or 2 disease. If it is spread to organs beyond the lungs, like nearby lymph nodes and to a distant organ like brain, it can be termed as stage 3 &amp; 4 (metastatic disease) lung cancer. <br> <br>Cancer specialists also follow a grading system of cancer cells based on how identical they are to the normal cell of the given cancerous organ. Cancer cells have a tendency to lose their distinct identity from the normal cells thereby losing their ability to perform a designated function, e.g., function of respiration by lung cells. Lung cells for example have a distinct structure (different from that of stomach cells) for a specific function of respiration. When lung cancer occurs, some or many of the lung cells lose their identity to become poorly differentiated, thereby altering the normal functioning of lung cells. The exercise of finding the structural identity of the cancerous cells is termed as grading. <br> <br>For many years until the last decade, oncologists had been treating cancer patients with the treatment modalities like Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in addition to cancer surgery, based on the stage and the grade in which disease of the patient falls. Chemotherapy potentially kills all the fast-growing cells (like cells of human hair, nails etc.) along with the cancer cells in the patient&#039;s body. It is a pervasive fact that being non-specific in its action, chemotherapy produces a lot of side effects to patients, and it is the biggest drawback of it. <br> <br>Reiterating the fact that &#039;God Lives in Details, the cancer researchers began digging deep into the cancer biology to evolve to the improved understanding of defects in the genes and other abnormalities at the molecular levels that generate cancerous cells. Citing an example of breast cancer, oncologists have made it a protocol to identify defects at the molecular level by ordering immunohistochemistry (a diagnostic test) to find out mutation of HER2 receptors. To simplify for our readers, HER2 is a receptor on the cell surface that gets amplified by the mutation (genetic defect) in case of cancer. Such an amplification is a proven phenomenon that triggers formation and rapid growth of cancer cells in breast and stomach cancer. From an opportunist&#039;s perspective, it is a target that can be blocked / treated with a monoclonal antibody (a different kind of a cancer treatment) to quell receptor&#039;s overwhelming function and gain control over cancer genesis and the spread in the human body. <br> <br>The invention of such a differential therapy (antibody) that can specifically target the defect at the molecular level of a cancerous cell are termed as personalized cancer treatments and it turns out to be a blessing for a cancer patient. It will be specific in its function of repairing the defect without impacting normal cells in the body. Such an organized treatment mechanism leads to minimal side effects in cancer patients thereby improving their quality of life while the cancer is treated. There are many such innovative targeted treatments available in the armamentarium of the oncologist for the treatment of cancer patients and there are many more under development. The latest invention of Immunotherapy for cancer patients is another disruptive innovation that acts by correcting the major and minor defects in the human immune system which were allowing cancer cells to escape the body&#039;s natural defense. Immunotherapy works by re-activating human immune system against cancer to contain the growth of it to a large extent. <br> <br>During my practice over the years, I have realized that the personalized cancer treatments are an outstanding resource not only for the cancer patients but for the cancer treating specialists. These treatments help in improving our conviction that even the difficult and advanced of the cancer cases can be treated with ease and for the best patient outcomes. <br> <br>I must mention here that some of these personalized cancer treatments are &#039;overwhelmingly promising&#039; at their best and &#039;catastrophically expensive&#039; at their worst as we stand today. After the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) intervened to enforce a Drug Price Control Order in the form of &#039;The National List of Essential Medicines&#039; and included a few personalized and other cancer medicines in it, some of these personalized medicines have become highly affordable. Government of India with the help of many pharmaceutical companies are trying their best to make these treatments available at the cost that can be afforded by majority of the cancer patients from various economic strata. I am sure it is only a matter of time that these therapies become available for the treatment of masses and does not remain the choice of the classes. <br> <br>Dr. Kshitij Joshi, MD. DM. ECMO. <br>Consultant Medical Oncologist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre <br>8879026609 | 022-26200868 <br>[email protected] <br>[a]www.mocindia.co.in[/a]

Hereditary or Familial Cancer is not a very well understood subject in the Indian society. Hereditary Cancers refer to those in which the risk of developing cancer is passed from one generation to the other through faulty genes. There are numerous myths spread around it by well-wishers and through the internet. These myths create needless worry to the families of cancer patients and further hinder the efficient treatment and/or preventive decisions. Mumbai Oncocare Centre, a chain of daycare centres for cancer treatment, wishes to help patients and clinicians debunk common myths or fallacies about hereditary cancers by offering an authentic information on this subject to the readers. <br> <br>Myth 1: All cancers are hereditary. <br>Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary in nature. Hereditary cancers are only confirmed when a genetic change is identified in any of the &#039;Cancer Susceptibility Genes&#039;, in the blood or saliva sample of an affected individual. <br> <br>Myth 2: Hereditary cancers are passed-on only from the maternal side. <br>Almost all hereditary cancers can be passed from either gender. Both males and females can be carriers for alterations in cancer susceptibility genes. Although, inherited alterations in certain genes make a particular gender more susceptible to certain cancers. One of the most commonly known examples is BRCA1 and BRCA2, in which females become more susceptible to developing breast and ovarian cancers. <br> <br>Myth 3: All children of a cancer affected individual having a genetic mutation will get cancer. <br>Most hereditary cancer syndromes are caused due to variation in a single copy of the gene. Thus, there is a 50% chance of the individual’s children inheriting the variation. Inheriting the genetic variant only increases an individual’s lifetime cancer risk to the ‘moderate to high’ category. It does not imply that they will definitely get a cancer. <br> <br>Myth 4: Knowing the genetic mutation status in an already affected individual is not important. <br>Individuals who are carriers of a hereditary cancer syndrome can be at a lifetime risk for multiple primary cancers. Hence it is important to pursue genetic testing and learn about the mutation status. Also, there are targeted cancer therapies known to be more effective for individuals with genetic mutations, aiding in personalized treatment for them. <br> <br>Myth 5: Hereditary cancers do not have a cure. <br>There is no cure to reverse the genetic alteration causing the cancer, but the cancer caused by them definitely has a cure. With regards to the treatment approach, hereditary cancers are no different than other cancers. Few of the hereditary cancer syndromes even have a effective therapeutic approaches available. <br> <br>Ms. Divya Udyawar, MSc. <br>Certified Genetic Counselor, Cancer Genetics <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre <br>Email- [email protected] <br>Website- [a]www.mocindia.co.in[/a]

Good nutrition is immensely important for the patients with cancer; those under treatment as well as those who have completed the cancer treatment. It is because the disease itself, as well as its treatments has a potential to significantly impair patient&#039;s appetite. Cancer and its treatments may also alter body&#039;s ability to tolerate certain foods and nutrients. <br> <br>The need of nutrients for a cancer patient varies from person to person. Dietitians specialized into &#039;Nutrition for Cancer Patients&#039; can help set nutritional goals for patients and plan diet strategies to help achieve them. <br> <br>An appropriate diet can help patients in following ways: <br>- Feel better. <br>- Restore / Maintain the body strength and energy. <br>- Maintain weight and optimum level of required nutrients. <br>- Tolerate treatment-related side effects. <br>- Decrease the risk of infection. <br>- Heal and recover quickly. <br>Patients need to make sure that they include all food groups like Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytochemicals to efficiently fight the battle against cancer. Their meals should essentially include protein foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans / lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, and milk. In addition, patient will have to drink lots of fluid every single day in order to keep themselves optimally hydrated all the time. Water is by far the best fluid to drink. <br> <br>The body uses calories and protein as a fuel to support healthy organs, muscle repair, and daily activity. Body needs more calories and proteins during most types of cancers and their treatments. The extra calories and protein are essential for healing tissues and fighting infections during chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or after cancer surgery. Therefore, most people undergoing cancer treatment need to eat more than the usual. If not followed, they may become malnourished and lose weight consequently. <br> <br>During the treatment, patients may find that their appetite is compromised, or they may have side effects of the treatment that make it hard for them to eat healthfully. When they are not able to maintain healthy body weight with foods that are traditionally considered healthy, it is acceptable to choose alternate foods that otherwise appeal to them. However, they should make sure that they intake enough nutrients to prevent malnutrition. <br> <br>Consuming food as the part of treatment helps in a better way. Irrespective of the hunger, cancer patients need to eat regularly in order to have enough fuel in the body to fight against the cancer and preserve the muscle. Not following appropriate diet can compromise the efficacy of cancer treatment and the recovery post treatment may become a significant challenge. <br> <br>Remember, &#039;Eating Well&#039; while undergoing cancer therapy is the Mantra. <br> <br>Dietician Madhuri Gurav <br>P.G.D. Dietetics, C.D.E. <br>Onco-Nutritionist, <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Thane <br>[a]https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mocindia.co.in%2Fblog%2Feating-well-with-chemotherapy-ms-madhuri-gurav-onco-nutritionist-moc[/a]

What risk do we transmit during a sexual intercourse? Obvious answer that we hear from people is HIV or Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus that is responsible for a clinical condition called AIDS. Have you heard of HPV before? Is it different from and more common than HIV? <br> <br>HPV or Human papillomavirus is a virus that is spread through sexual contact, more appropriately put; skin-to-skin contact, Sexual contact as a term covers different forms of sex including sexual intercourse (vaginal sex), oral sex, anal sex, or any other contact involving the genital area (E.g. hand to genital contact). While condoms are known or often used to prevent most sexually transmitted infections, they do not guarantee complete protection from HPV infection, because they do not cover all exposed genital skin. <br> <br>The risk of HPV exposure is directly proportional to the number of sexual partners one has. Having sex with a partner who had many other partners in the past also increases the risk of HPV to the primary subject. Estimates suggests that before the age of 50, about 75% to 80% of sexually active adults will acquire at least one genital HPV infection. A majority of individuals become infected for the first time with one or more HPV types in the anogenital track (region of both anus and genital organ), between ages 15 and 25 years. Genital track encompasses both internal and external sex organs of men and women. <br> <br>Approximately 70%-80% of infected individual does not develop signs &amp; symptoms and most cases never develop any problems caused by HPV. In 20% to 30% females, however, HPV infection poses a greater chance of developing pre-cancerous condition of cervix and subsequently the cancer of cervix. On an average, it takes 20 to 25 years for a new HPV infection to cause cervical cancer. <br> <br>Over 100 different strains of HPV have been identified; more than 40 of these are known to infect the cervix, and approximately 15 are known to cause cervical cancer. <br> <br>Researchers have categorized and labeled the different HPV types / strains as &#039;high risk&#039; or &#039;low risk&#039; on the basis of their intensity / potential for causing cervical cancer to the infected women: <br>- HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90 percent of genital warts. These types are considered low risk because they do not cause cervical cancer. <br>- Types 16 and 18 are the high-risk types that cause most (about 70 percent) cases of cervical cancer. HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 are also high-risk types, causing about 20 percent of cervical cancers. Other high-risk types (35, 39, 51, 56, and 59) can also cause cervical cancers but are less common. <br>Is there a protection against these viruses? Know more about it in my second blog to be released next week. <br> <br>Dr. Sonal Dhande, MD. DNB. <br>Consultant Cancer Specialist <br>Mumbai Oncocare Centre- Nashik <br>Appointments @ 0253-2510127/9322949845 <br>Email- [email protected] <br>[a]www.mocindia.co.in[/a]

In my previous blog, I tried eliciting the character of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) &amp; its implications in development of cervical cancer. Immunization / Vaccination as a preventive measure is available which can offer validated protection from Cervical Cancer. In this blog, I shall attempt elaborating on the protection from HPV. <br> <br>Presently, two HPV vaccines are available in India. These two vaccines protect against different types of HPV: <br>- Gardasil helps to prevent infection with four HPV types (6, 11, 16, and 18). <br>- Cervarix helps to prevent infection with HPV types 16 and 18. <br>HPV Vaccine Timings and Doses: <br>All of the HPV vaccines are given by injection. Dosing depends upon age and the present state of immunity of an individual. <br> <br>- If subject is younger than 15 years of age with normal immune function, she should get two injections at least six months apart. <br>- If subject is 15 years of age or older with normal immune function, she should get three injections. The second dose is given one to two months after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the first. <br>- If subject have an infection with HIV or she is immunocompromised (eg, have another health condition that weakens subject&#039;s immune system), she should get three injections regardless of the age at which she may start the vaccination series <br>It is best to get all the recommended doses. If one misses a dose, taking advise from the healthcare provider / doctor about the number of doses required is recommended. <br> <br>Who should be vaccinated? <br>HPV vaccination should ideally be done for all girls ages 11 to 12 years, and it can be given as early as 9 years of age. &quot;Catch-up&quot; vaccination is recommended for all females up to 26 years of age who have not yet received it. The decision to vaccinate adults in this age group should be individualized, typically in conversation with a healthcare provider, as some people in this age group may still benefit from it. <br> <br>With any HPV vaccine, receiver will have the greatest protection from HPV if she is vaccinated before becoming sexually active. The vaccine does not help to get rid of HPV infection or any cervical abnormality after it has occurred. However, if you are under 26 years old and you have been sexually active, had genital warts, a positive HPV test, or an abnormal Pap test, you may still obtain some (although smaller) benefit from the HPV vaccine. <br> <br>It is important to keep in mind that the vaccine works best if given before sexual activity begins (even many years before). Sometimes, parents are hesitant to get their children vaccinated. Some people worry that it will lead to children becoming sexually active earlier than they otherwise would. However, there is no evidence that it happens. <br> <br>Some also worry that the vaccine may have serious side effects, but studies have clearly shown that the available HPV vaccines are safe. <br> <br>How long are you protected? <br>While experts do not know exactly how long the vaccine protects against HPV infection, there has been no evidence to suggest that the HPV vaccine loses any ability to provide protection over time. <br> <br>Is cervical cancer screening needed after vaccination? <br>You do not need to have a pelvic exam or test for cervical cancer (eg, Pap and/or HPV test) before you have the HPV vaccine. Regular cervical cancer screening can begin in females at age 21. <br> <br>Getting the HPV vaccine does not nullify the need of cervical cancer screening in the future, as the vaccine does not eliminate infections acquired prior to vaccination. In addition, other types of high-risk HPV, which are not prevented by the vaccine, can also cause cervical cancer. <br> <br>How effective is the Vaccine? <br>Studies have shown that: <br>- HPV vaccination in females is very effective in preventing HPV infections and cervical pre-cancers caused by HPV types targeted by the vaccine. <br>- HPV vaccination in females reduces the risk of genital warts in their male sexual partners. <br>- HPV vaccination in males reduces the risk of developing genital warts and penile HPV infection, which may decrease the spread of HPV to sexual partners. Consultation of a Gynecologist or Oncologist (Cancer Specialist) is highly recommended for enquiries related to the vaccination. <br>You can also read my previous blog on HPV &amp; Cervical Cancer (HPV &amp; Cervical Cancer | Dr. Sonal Dhande | Cancer Specialist | MOC Nashik) <br> <br>Dr. Sonal Dhande <br>Consultant Cancer Specialist <br>Hope-Mumbai Oncocare Centre, Nashik <br>Email- [email protected] <br>[a]www.mocindia.co.in[/a]