The Treatment of Cancer in Modern Times - Essay Example

Cancer Treatment The treatment of cancer in modern times has led to the saving of countless number of lives. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and antibody therapy are among the methods of treating cancer. The attack on body cells in humans leads to the growth and spread of malignant tumours that cause cancer. Late identification of these malignant tumours may cause premature death among humans. Cancerous cells take control of the body’s genetics, and may rearrange the body cells making an individual fail to perform the normal body functions. As cancer refers to a class of many diseases, it is next to impossible to pinpoint one cure for it. There are stages that are involved in the growth of cancer. Upon identification of the stage one is in; they can opt for whichever treatment they think suits them. There are ways to reduce the effect of cancer, but there is no guarantee that the disease leaves the body completely. To identify and tackle the disease that is cancer, scientists need to find the source of these cancer causing cells. Destroying them could inevitably lead to the cure of cancer, and the eradication of the disease. The presence of cancer stem cells may cause a re-emergence of the disease. Research should, therefore, be stepped-up to ensure the reduction of cancer cases. This may provide the world with a chance of combatting the scare that is cancer. Introduction The fact that a countless number of individuals suffer from cancer is the reason such a topic should be the number one concern of the world. The topic, cancer treatment, is to bring awareness to the world on the adverse effects of cancer, and the improvements being made on a daily basis to increase the chances of treating or eradicating cancer. It is crucial for everyone to understand the causes of cancer, and how the treatment used today is relevant in ensuring that lives are prolonged. Many research centres are calling for more awareness on the part of people, who wish to get acquainted with issues relating to cancer, and its consequences on cell biology (Prasasya et al. 202). A historical perspective on cancer treatment is the research that is carried out on mammalian protein to aid in cancer treatment. Investigation over some protein, for example, tyrosine, serine and threonine have increased the advances over transduction research. The kinases involved in the lower eukaryotic and prokaryotic are being researched on to provide an avenue to curb the spread of cancerous cells (Steeg et al. 10). It may be difficult to identify some, if not most of the proteins present. This may present a problem to research parties interested in using their genetic make-up to try and combat the spread of cancerous cells in individuals. Relationship between treatment of cancer and cell biology One group of structurally-related factors that aid in controlling the expression of a multitude of genes is the Rel/NF-kB family. This family is involved in a number of cellular and organismal processes that ensure body, and cell functions operate as they are supposed to in individuals. The involvement of cancerous stem cells restricts the proper working of this family and leads to mutations in the body cells. The genetic changes that take place often cause a misregulation in the mode of operation for all the protein families that detect the growth of cancerous cells in the human body (Gilmore et al. 5). An area that faces some of these mutations is the lymphoid system. The rearrangement of the genetic make-up may restrict the processing of chronic information to the body, and all its biological functions. Although treatment and care of cancer patients is tantamount in everyday life, it is also crucial to take a look at how they will live on after treatment. The cells involved in making an individual whole again take time to recover from most of the treatment methods in place. Chemotherapy, for example, does not necessarily target the cancerous cells in an individual. They target cells that are rapidly dividing. This means that any cells in the human body that are undergoing cell division are affected. It, therefore, has the likelihood of affecting healthy tissue. After such treatment, it is crucial for an individual’s body to replace the impaired cells, and tissues (Li and Li 63). Healthy living is paramount in such cases. However, healthy living is not something everyone can address. After chemotherapy, the likelihood for many people, especially in the third world, or developing countries taking care of themselves and their families is low. In other cell biology experiments, the bone marrow of many cancer patients is harvested shortly before undergoing treatment (Inber 358). Treatment such as total body irradiation is one which involves a high-dosage of chemotherapy that affects the bone marrow. Its removal is to ensure it is not damaged during the procedure. After treatment, the bone marrow is reintroduced into the body to repopulate the blood stream, and enable the genetic make-up of individuals to resume as normal. The diet needed to help individuals get through this stage should be exceptional, and have the ability to bring the individual strength. For all those that have a problem with weight loss, adding calories should be a thing that eggs and dried fruits can deal with after chemotherapy (National Cancer Institute 41). In cell replication, the treatment of cancer through radiation is a clear way of eradicating cancerous cells. However, the use of radiation itself is a risk. There is the possibility of using rays that may lead to the growth of other malignant cells that increase the chances of cancer. Advancement in technology aids in the manner in which cancer treatment has evolved. In the above named family of structurally-related factors, technology makes it possible to drive proliferation, and maintain the life of cells (Gilmore et al. 7). Through such methods, the malignant state of the biological cells is either stopped primarily, or reversed entirely. Through clinical intervention, research is taking a turn for the best. Theorists believe that the introduction of inactive cancerous cells into the genetic make-up can assist the body fight the cancerous cells that attack the body. However, this is risky since the cells can learn to adapt to the body’s genetic make-up, and learn to resist antibiotics as seen by many bacteria, and viruses today. The growth receptors found out in many research studies carried out today imply that the molecular mechanisms have a part to play in the progression and pathogenesis of tumours. The growth factors cells are instituted from the cell surface, as many researchers indicate (Biancoa et al. 291). Inhibition of cells and their deaths are also recorded in this area. Moreover, effectors that control crucial functions in cancerous cells are also recorded in this region. Conclusion Most of the knowledge gained in the research about cancer treatment should be put to proper use. This is to enable people understand the concept of dealing with cancer, and every aspect that comes into focus when cancer is involved. It is imperative that the knowledge from researchers and research findings help institutions around the world deal with the growing need of cancer patients. The knowledge on key signal transduction pathways should be identified so that therapeutic targets can be achieved to curb the cancer disease (Levitzki and Klein 299). Epidermal growth factors have a tendency to be overexpressed in research (Biancoa et al. 292). However, if overexpression is the way to go about alerting people on the manner in which cancer cells in humans operate, then it should be so. This is for the sake of the world, and all its inhabitants. The understanding of growth and development of cancer is vital for all people. Future areas that need research and expertise are in educating masses on the genesis of the cancer cells in the human body. Angiogenesis, as it is commonly referred to, should be the focal point of all medical or clinical interventions (Hou et al. 9). Exposure to some toxins in the immediate environment of people may result in deficits, in the biological make-up of individuals. This information is crucial to anyone in need of information about cancer, and the dangers it poses to the world. The world is aware that the scare cancer poses is real. The world, therefore, takes the time to recognise cancer as a real threat. The measures being taken to curb the disease are recognised by the World Health Organization and many organizations fighting against cancer. Many issues are on the rise to address factors that contribute to the toxicity levels in the world (Hou et al. 13). This is well on its way to reducing the effect of toxic waste on people. Figures and Tables Problems eating after cancer treatment Radiation therapy It damages healthy cells as well as the cancer cells present in the human body. As the radiation therapy is done from the head, the neck, chest; some eating problems may occur. They involve a dry mouth, a sore mouth, trouble swallowing food, and also, changes in the sense of taste. If the radiation was done down the abdomen or pelvis, problems such as cramping, diarrhoea, and vomiting are likely to occur. Chemotherapy As seen, chemotherapy works to stop or retard the growth of cancerous cells. However, it may also destroy healthy cells in the body’s biology. Various effects of chemotherapy on an individual include appetite loss, sore throat, weight loss/gain, constipation, among other problems. National Cancer Institute, Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/eatinghints.pdf Diet to take after treatment Dried fruits These are high in calories and may help in getting an individual back on the right, weight track. They are exceptional as desserts, and at times, snacks that require intake at intervals. Eggs Eggs are a considerable foundation for protein. Eating whenever one feels like eating, rather than when they consider when they are hungry, is one way to cope with weight loss. National Institute of Cancer, Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/eatinghints.pdf Works Cited Balducci, L. “Molecular Insight in Cancer Treatment and Prevention.” The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 55.9 (2007) 1856-62. Print. Biancoa, R., Melisi, D., Ciardiello, F., and Tortora, G. “Key Cancer Cell Signal Transduction Pathways as Therapeutic Targets.” European Journal of Cancer 42.3 (2006) 290-294. Print. Gilmore, T., Gapuzan, M. E., Kalaitzidis, D., and starczynowski, D. “Rel/NF-kB Signal Transduction in the Generation and Treatment of Human Cancer.” Cancer Letters 181.1 (2002) 1-9. Print. Hou, Z., Lambert, J. D., Chin, K. V., and Yang, C. S. “Effects of Tea Polyphenols on Signal Transduction Pathways to Cancer Chemoprevention.” Review Article Mutation Research/ Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 555.1-2 (2004) 3-19. Print. Inber, D. “Can Cancer be Reversed by Engineering the Tumour Microenvironment?” Seminars in Cancer Biology 18.5 (2008) 356-364. Print. Levitzki, A., and Klein, S. “Signal Transduction Therapy of Cancer.” Review Article Molecular Aspects of Medicine 31.4 (2012) 287-329. Print. Li, D., and Li, S. “Models of Signal Transduction in Cancer.” Review Article Drug Discovery Today 4.2 (2007) 61-66. Print. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment. Retrieved on September 21, 2012; from Prasasya, R., Tian, D., and Kreeger, P. “Analysis of Cancer Signalling Networks by Systems Biology to Develop Therapies.” Seminars in Cancer Biology 21.3 (2011) 200-206. Print. Steeg, P. S., Palmieri, D., Ouatas, T., and Salerno, M. “Histidine Kinases and Histidine Phosphorylated Proteins in Mammalian Cell Biology, Signal Transduction and Cancer.” Cancer Letters 190.1 (2003) 1-12. Print. Read More