Showing posts with label pancreatic cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pancreatic cancer. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Different cancer treatment plans to different cancers at Fuda

Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Treatment Plans

1. Bone Cancer

Best treated with an intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid. This infusion will prevent skeletal fractures in patients with prostate cancer or multiple mylenoma. It is also recommended for patients who experience pain caused by bone metastasis.


2. Brain Cancer

Along with traditional surgery and radiation, another effective therapy is photodynamic therapy (PDT). By combining a photosynthesizer and a specific light, PDT is able to be relatively selective and specific for certain types of tumors. The benefits of PDT include:
- No negative interaction with other ongoing therapies
- Does not cause immuno-suppression (a weakening of the immune system)
- Not toxic
- Short treatment time, results in 48-72 hours. 



3. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer patients have several therapies available to them. By combining several therapies, patients often achieve a far better outcome than if they had underwent only one therapy. Along with conventional surgery, we also combine our experience in cryosurgery, and brachytherapy. These two methods have proven to be safe, effective, less painful, and minimally invasive.
The addition of oral medication completes the treatment plan.

4. Colon Cancer

While the first step to dealing with colon cancer is conventional surgery, the next step is where Fuda Cancer Hospital's experience and expertise and make a big difference. By using innovative therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), the patient can achieve a positive outcome. PDT is minimally invasive, safe, and less painful than traditional surgery.

5. Liver Cancer

For liver cancer, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, and interventional vascular therapy are an excellent treatment combination that is safe, less painful, and minimally invasive. Our research and experience have shown that patients achieve better outcomes when they combine different therapy approaches.
Another treatment method that can be combined is absolute alcohol ablation (PEI). This treatment has shown very positive results and high cure rates when the lesions are small and few in number. Tumor response has been as high as 90% for liver cancers smaller than 2cm in diameter, 70% for cancers of 3cm, and 50% in cases with cancers 5cm in diameter.


6. Kidney Cancer 

In the treatment of kidney cancer, cryotherapy and brachytherapy can be combined with conventional surgery. Cryotherapy and brachytherapy are excellent treatment combinations that are safe, less painful, and minimally invasive. As these two therapies are minimally invasive--meaning no incisions--doctors can perform as many surgeries as needed until all the cancer has been removed.


7.Lung Cancer

For lesions on the lung that are larger than 1 centimeter, cryosurgery is ideal: minimally invasive, safer, more effective, and less painful than conventional surgery. However, for spots smaller than 1 centimeter, P.E.I.--a process of using absolute alcohol injections to dehydrate and kill cancer cells--is best suited to target the cancer's small size. Brachytherapy can also be used if the lesions are limited in size and few in number.
Chemotherapy and oral medication complete the treatment plan. 


8. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer patients have several therapies available to them. By combining several therapies, patients often achieve a far better outcome than if they had underwent only one therapy. Along with conventional surgery, we also combine our experience in cryosurgery, and brachytherapy. These two methods have proven to be safe, effective, less painful, and minimally invasive.
The addition of oral medication completes the treatment plan.


9. Pancreatic Cancer

If the primary tumor (the original tumor) is in the pancreas, cryosurgery is an ideal solution that is safer, more effective, minimally invasive, and less painful than conventional surgery. During the same session of cryosurgery, is it recommended to combine brachytherapy (Iodine-125 seeds implantation). Depending on the patient and situation, another excellent choice might be interventional local chemotherapy with the drug Gemzar.
Research and experience have shown that the outcomes are better when both therapies are combined. As these therapies are minimally invasive--meaning no incisions--doctors can perform as many surgeries as needed until all the cancer has been removed.



10.Prostate Cancer


Prostate cancer patients have several therapies available to them. By combining several therapies, patients often achieve a far better outcome than if they had underwent only one therapy. Along with conventional surgery, we also combine our experience in cryosurgery, and brachytherapy. These two methods have proven to be safe, effective, less painful, and minimally invasive.
The addition of oral medication completes the treatment plan.

11. Skin Cancer.

Because the cancer is on the surface, photodynamic therapy is an excellent choice that is both safe and effective. 

The cancer treatment also depend on patients' body condition, so another plan is personalized therapy.
















Monday, October 17, 2016

Is cancer obesity-related?

Foodie has become a buzzword in recent years and not a few people like to call themselves foodie. They either enjoy food at home or eat outside but they are not a fan of doing exercise afterwards. Over time, people will become overweight. It is not to be neglected that obesity is not only bad to the appearance but also bad to the physical health as it is liable to cause diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and even cancer.

Dr. Li Jialiang, director of Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital Cancer Prevention and Rehabilitation Center noted that obesity is another important carcinogenic factor besides cigarettes. It is also causing increased mobility among cancer patients. According to relevant study, obesity or overweight are related with the development of at least 10 types of cancer, including colon cancer, breast cancer (post-manopause), esophagus cancer, agllbladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, renal cancer, thyroid cancer and leukemia. Some studies show that the risk of having cancer among obese or overweight people is 20% higher than that of common people. Some researchers have even pointed out, "An inch increase in waistline means Waist each additional inch risk of cancer increased more than eight times, especially the most common colorectal cancer, etc."


The BMI of overweight and obesity among Chinese adults
Classification
BMI (Kg/m3)
Low weight
<18.5
Normal weight
18.5-23.9
Overweight
24.0-27.9
Obesity
≥28


Why cancer is obesity related?

 Cancer is the second cause of death in Cuba with a total of 20,000 fatalities each year

Dr. Li Jialiang said that obesity increases the risk of cancer is not caused by a single factor, but a result of a variety of factors over a long-term effect. Currently, the research on the relationship between obesity and cancer is mainly from large-scale epidemiological studies and the research on obesity-related cancer has just started. The research is mainly from animal experiment result.

  1. Obesity provides a breeding ground for the growth of cancer cells

 Recent studies show that large amount of cells, including fibroblast, endothelial cells and fat cells are found around cancer cells. As fat cells and cancer cells feed each other, they are creating a symbiotic environment where cancer cells could thrive. Therefore, fat tissue, as a part of tumor microencironemnt, is having an effect on tumor growth and metastases and tumor recurrence.

  1. Obesity is the stimulant for tumor cell growth

 In fact, fact cells not only feed tumor cells but also release some stimulants that can make tumor progress even rapidly. Fat cells can release some substances, including adipokine, proinflammatory cell factors and pro-angiogenic factors that may trigger tumor growth and metastases. Therefore, the occurrence rate of cancer among obese people is higher than that of common people; so is the mortality rate.

  1. Obesity is chronic inflammation in essence

The accumulation of abdominal fat will put the body in a state of chronic inflammation, which can induce the occurrence and development of cancer. Chronic inflammation can send a signal to cell division. As new cells are needed to heal the wound after injury, the signal that encourages cell growth also support cell division. At the same time, obesity can cause an increase in some of the specific macrophages. Those immune cells will cause immune suppression directly. As the immunity of local tumor is suppressed, tumor cells will become even more rampant.

  1. It is related with the increased estrogen level

 Postmenopausal overweight or obese women will have increased probability of developing breast cancer. Every 5kg increase in weight means 8% increase in the probability of breast cancer occurrence, which may be associated with elevated estrogen level. Before menopause, estrogen is mainly produced by the ovary cells, but fat cells can also produce estrogen. After menopause, the ovaries will stop producing estrogen and fat become the main source of hormone.  Noticeably, fat tissue can generate considerable amount of estrogen. It is known to all that 70% of breast cancer is caused by the effect of estrogen and higher estrogen levels will lead to higher susceptibility to breast cancer. Once postmenopausal women become obese, the endogenous estrogen levels will become significantly higher and so is the risk of breast cancer.

 Weight loss is helpful reduce cancer risk

 Dr. Li Jialiang noted that weight loss is a powerful measure to reduce cancer risk. To this end, diet control and regular exercise are very important.

  1. Reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat food

Firstly, we should reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods and drinks, such as sugar drinks, pastries, fast food, etc. Moreover, we should also reduce the intake of red meat, such as pork, beef, mutton and eat less high temperature processed meat products, such as sausage, canned foods (which contains preservative), and so on. Obese people, in particular, should avoid sugary carbonated drinks. A bottle of Coca-Cola (500ml) contains 215 kcal. To have the energy consumed, we need to run on a treadmill for 40 minutes, which equals to 3 km. At the same time, we should eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grain wheat foods, such as pasta, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats and the like. Food with less fat meat and dairy products are preferred.

  1. Avoid overeating

Even if we are on a low-fat and plant-based diet, we should also pay attention to the amount of food we eat. We should have food in a regular and balanced manner and the amount of food taken only needs to meet the body’s normal requirement. To lose weight, we do more exercise and have less food intake. We will never lose weight no matter how much exercise we do if we keep on eating.

  1. Regularly participate in activities and physical exercise

Exercise plays a very important role in maintaining body weight as it can burn calories. At the same time, exercise will also help release the pressure so as to avoid overeating caused by emotional disorder. Adults should have at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, such as running, swimming and riding so as to build up the body and reduce cancer risks. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 40-50% and the risk of breast cancer by 30-40%. To maintain a long-term healthy state, exercise should be a daily work for everyone. .

 Meanwhile, Dr. Li Jialiang reminded, "Obesity or overweight is certainly bad for your health, but it doesn’t mean that the slimmer you are, the healthier you are. The most suitable BMI is between 18 and 24. If the BMI is lower than 18, it also indicates ill health. Leanness will lead to malnutrition and lower the immunity, which will also increase the risk of multiple diseases.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

FUDA Completed 100 Cases of NanoKnife (IRE), The Number of Which Ranks the First in Mainland China

In the morning of March 16, 2016, Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital held a press conference, announcing that FUDA has completed 100 cases of NanoKnife, the number of which ranks the first in mainland China. Journalists from over ten media, including Xinhua News Agency, China News, Yangcheng Evening News, Nanfang Daily, Guangdong TV witnessed the moment. Two patients, Ms. Lu Mingying, winner of Rank Prize in England and Ms. Gregerson Gurli, a teacher from Denmark, who have gained benefits from Nanoknife  shared with the journalists their anti-cancer experience at the press conference.
Prof. Niu Lizhi, President of FUDA, announced that Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital has completed 100 cases of NanoKnife

A memorable moment

At 1:30 p.m., March 8, 2016, Prof. Niu Lizhi, President of Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital walked into the operation room in the dark green surgical gown to perform one case of NanoKnife.
It was a memorable moment as it marks the 100th case of NanoKnife that Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital has done. The patient lying on the operating table was Ms. Gregerson Gurli, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Denmark--a legendary woman. In 2007, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with liver metastases. Her doctor in Denmark said she only had two to three months to live. As she found no other good treatment in several European hospitals, she came to Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital for treatment in February 2008. Gurli has undergone cryoablation, iodine seeds implantation therapy and other comprehensive treatments at FUDA from 2008 till now. Despite that cancers are still present in her body, she has survived for over 8 years since diagnosis. It is the concept of living with cancer that has rendered her a prolonged life. 

Prof. Niu noted that the 100th case of NanoKnife was done on liver tumors. “Recently, Ms. Gurli has been found to have multiple neuroendocrine tumors in liver. There are three tumors detected, the largest is about 5cm in size and the other two are about 4cm and 2cm in size respectively. Considering that the masses are big in size and are close to important structures as hepatic diaphragm dome and hepatic hilus, NanoKnife therapy will be able to deliver higher safety and less side effects. ”

All was ready and the treatment got started. The medical team led by Prof. Niu performed ablation on the biggest mass first. The mass was located at the S7 of liver and had high activity. Under the guidance of ultrasound and CT scan, Prof. Niu punctured the two NanoKnife probes into the base of tumor for ablation. Then the probes were relocated to ablate the other two masses. The screen clearly showed that the masses became necrosis and gasification after ablation; small bubbles were formed; the previous high-density echo became lower...Prof. Niu was satisfied with the ablation result. He noted, “As NanoKnife is a highly secure and mini-invasive treatment, the multiple masses in liver can be ablated at one time. Today, three masses in her liver have been ablated. The procedure went smoothly.”Five great leaps achieved by FUDA in the research on and clinical application of NanoKnife. 

At the press conference, Prof. Niu Lizhi introduced to the reporters that NanoKnife is currently the latest cutting-edge ablation technology for tumor in the world. During the procedure, high electric-field and ultra-short pulses are given to destroy lipid bilayer structure of cancer cell membrane and form numerous irreversible nano-sized pores in the cell membrane. Cell membrane permeability will be changed to allow molecules of different sizes free access to cells, which will lead to cell death. NanoKnife has been approved by America FDA in April, 2012 and has been certified to CE certification of EU. In June 2015, NanoKnife was approved by Chinese FDA for clinical application. Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital has been five No. 1 in terms of the research on and clinical application of NanoKnife.

1. FUDA is the first cancer hospital in mainland China to have introduced NanoKnife.
 
2. As early as in August 2014, Xu Kecheng and Niu Lizhi compiled and published New Technique of Cancer Ablation Irreversible Electroporation--the first monograph on NanoKnife in China.
 
3. On July 2, 2015, the first case of NanoKnife in mainland China was completed at FUDA. The patient was a 61-year-old pancreatic cancer patient from a Middle East country.
 
4. As of March 8, 2016, 100 cases of NanoKnife have been done for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, liver cancer etc. It has ablated the lesions and improved the quality of life for cancer patients. The cases of NanoKnife that has been done at FUDA rank the first in mainland China.
 
5. The number of papers on NanoKnife published on authoritative magazines, including Journal of Interventional Radiology and Chinese Journal of Radiology, etc. ranks the first in China.
 
Prof. Niu Lizhi noted, “NanoKnife can achieve complete ablation on small tumors and control and shrink big tumors. Looking back on the 100 cases of NanoKnife we have done, we found that NanoKnife has been delivering good curative effect for pancreatic cancer and liver cancer patients. The remission rate exceeds 80%, approaching the world level. With the development of the technology and the accumulation of experience, I’m convinced that NanoKnife will bring benefits to more cancer patients.”