Recent advances in radiation oncology

Article Abstract:

There have been many advances in radiation therapy in the past 10 years. Radiation kills cells by damaging DNA. It can also affect the synthesis of cellular growth factors and the length of time a cell spends in different phases of mitosis. This knowledge will lead to drugs that can enhance the tumor's response to radiation while sparing healthy cells. Another way to protect healthy cells is to provide the radiation in small, but more frequent, doses. CT scanners that are connected to computers with graphics software can provide a complete three-dimensional image of any part of the body. This will help oncologists to focus the radiation more precisely. A technique called a gamma knife can focus high-dose radiation on a very small area. Radiation has been successfully used in combination with chemotherapy for many cancers, and has eliminated the need for surgery. It can be used in addition to surgery and to provide palliative treatment of bone metastases.

Innovations, Cancer, Cancer treatment

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Ten-year results of a comparison of conservation with mastectomy in the treatment of stage I and II breast cancer

Article Abstract:

A lumpectomy followed by radiation treatment may be just as effective in treating breast cancer as a mastectomy. A lumpectomy is a method of removing the tumor while preserving most of the breast. Of 237 women with breast cancer followed by the National Cancer Institute, 116 had received a mastectomy and 121 had a lumpectomy plus radiation. Ten-year survival rates were 77% in the lumpectomy group and 75% in the mastectomy group. Seventy-two percent of the women in the lumpectomy group were in remission at 10 years, compared to 69% of those in the mastectomy group. Eighteen patients in the lumpectomy group had a recurrence of cancer in the breast and were successfully treated with a mastectomy. Fifteen were disease-free three months to 10 years after the mastectomy. In both groups, women with smaller tumors and no spread of cancer to the lymph nodes had better survival rates.

Evaluation, Surgery, Mastectomy, Lumpectomy

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Breast cancer

Article Abstract:

Breast cancer is a disease that affects approximately 12% of US women, and kills approximately three percent. The risk of developing breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 30, and it steadily increases with age. It is more common among women living in affluent countries than in less affluent countries. The incidence of breast cancer in the US is increasing. This increase may partially reflect increased diagnosis of women with the disease during routine screening. A mixture of environmental and genetic factors increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Early diagnosis may reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer. Women should have regular breast examinations, and routine mammograms for early detection of breast cancer. Some types of breast cancer may spread to other parts of the body very early in the course of the disease.

Diagnosis

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