Cancer care advances improve patient outcomes and quality of life

Robotic surgery and targeted therapies transform oncology

Technological breakthroughs have introduced robotic and minimally invasive surgeries that utilize small incisions to remove tumours. These procedures result in reduced blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and better protection for surrounding nerves and organs.

Precision radiation techniques now shape beams around tumours to minimize exposure to healthy tissue, while focused radiosurgery treats specific brain tumours without open surgery. Targeted therapy attacks specific changes within cancer cells, often producing different side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy now assists the body's natural defenses in recognizing and attacking cancer, improving outcomes for several disease types. Bone marrow and cell-based treatments provide new options for managing previously difficult blood cancers. These advancements also include organ-preserving approaches that allow many patients to retain the function of the affected organ during treatment.

Integrated supportive and palliative care enhances patient comfort

Supportive care is now integrated alongside cancer treatment rather than following it. This holistic approach includes pain management, nutrition advice, counseling, physiotherapy, and fertility preservation.

Palliative care is available at every stage of the treatment journey to provide patient comfort. It is not reserved solely for the end of life.

Oxaloacetate supplement shows promise for breast cancer cognitive impairment

The study results were published in the journal JCO Oncology Advances.

It is estimated that 15% to 25% of breast cancer survivors suffer from ongoing cognitive difficulties, such as memory loss and concentration issues, following their diagnosis and treatment.

Cognitive impairment can be caused by a combination of factors including the cancer itself, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, inflammation, and hormonal changes. A UCLA phase II clinical trial involved 18 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer one to five years prior to the study, with an average age of approximately 50.

Nearly 90% of the trial participants were undergoing endocrine therapy while taking 500 milligrams of oxaloacetate twice daily for eight weeks. Of the 18 women who began the trial, 16 completed the full eight-week regimen and reported significant improvements in cognitive symptoms.

Participants' average score on a measure of perceived cognitive impairment rose from 29.1 before treatment to 55.5 after eight weeks, moving the group into a normal range. The supplement helped reduce brain fog and fatigue while improving cognitive functions such as planning, attention, and mental flexibility.

The most common side effects reported were digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and indigestion, which led two women to discontinue the supplement. Because the study lacked a placebo group and had a small sample size, researchers noted that the findings are preliminary and cannot yet confirm the supplement's effectiveness.

Researchers are also conducting preclinical studies in mice to examine the effects of oxaloacetate on fatigue and physical function. The study received partial financial support from the National Cancer Institute and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

India diagnoses 15 lakh new cancer cases annually

Oncologist Gautam Mukhopadhyay published a report in The Telegraph addressing the full spectrum of cancer care in Calcutta, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient experience.

Bengal accounts for about 1.1 lakh of those annual cases, which is approximately 8 per cent of India's total cancer cases.

Breast cancer accounts for about 25 per cent of cases in women, followed by cervical and ovarian cancers, and blood cancers are the most common among children. Cancer risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, high-fat diets, and air pollution such as diesel exhaust.

Family history is linked to 5 to 8 per cent of cases. In Calcutta, the use of chewing tobacco, betel leaf, and areca nut are identified as significant contributors to oral cancer. Approximately 40 per cent of all cancers are considered preventable, and the government currently provides free vaccines against HPV-related cancers.

Financial strain and access remain hurdles for cancer patients

Financial strain and longer treatment durations remain significant issues for families despite medical advances, according to Bastillepost.com. In Bengal, while access to care is increasing, patients continue to face hurdles regarding affordability, transparency, and treatment continuity, Urbanacres.in reported.

Corporate hospitals in Calcutta have expanded their comprehensive cancer services and developed oncology departments over the past decade, Urbanacres.in said.

National Cancer Awareness Day promotes early detection and innovation

National Cancer Awareness Day, observed annually on November 7, was launched by the government in 2014 to promote early detection and commemorate the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, Urbanacres.in reported. The day is an opportunity for individuals to book cancer screenings, Tripurastarnews.com said.

To promote breast cancer awareness, the Ramkrishna CARE Cancer Institute illuminated its building in pink, Tripurastarnews.com reported.

The President of India inaugurated the KLE Cancer Hospital, according to Tripurastarnews.com. Many medical centers now use tumour boards consisting of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to develop personalized treatment plans, Tripurastarnews.com said.

AIA Hong Kong & Macau provides insurance coverage that includes future drug approvals to ensure patients remain protected as treatments evolve, Bastillepost.com said.