Neo Insight

Vasectomy, i.e. cutting and tying the vas deferens, is one of the contraceptive methods used in men. There has been a long-standing discussion in the medical community about whether this procedure affects the risk of prostate cancer. 💬 According to the results of the analysis of 37 studies, conducted on a total of almost 17 million patients, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between vasectomy and the risk of developing localized prostate cancer. However, effect estimates for the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer became increasingly close to zero when high-quality studies were analyzed. How can we interpret these results? We cannot 100% confirm or deny that vasectomy increases the risk of prostate cancer. Undoubtedly, this topic requires further research to prospectively assess the possible causal relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer. In these studies, particular attention should be paid to potential confounding factors that have not been taken into account in large cohort studies. #NeoInsight #Healthcare #CheckCancer #Vasectomy #ProstateCancer #Risk #Cancer #Oncology #OncologyPatient #MedicalResearch

Some cancer patients experience cognitive impairment, which in turn may negatively impact functioning and quality of life. Cognitive dysfunction can occur in several areas, for example: ▪ attention, ▪ information processing speed, ▪ memory, ▪ executive functions (e.g. planning, problem solving and response inhibition). The incidence of cognitive impairment in cancer patients varies. Cognitive impairment after cancer diagnosis but before treatment is estimated to occur in approximately 20–30% of patients. In turn, cancer treatments are associated with neuropsychological deficits in up to 75 percent of patients. The exact risk factors for cognitive impairment in cancer patients are not known. However, increased age (e.g. ≥65 years) and decreased baseline intellectual capacity appear to increase this risk. Currently, it is difficult to indicate one specific set of tools for assessing changes and impairment of cognitive functions related to cancer. However, assessing the cognitive functioning of cancer patients is an important element of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan. We should look at cognitive functions as an essential therapeutic goal in cancer patients and strive to effectively recognize the ailments associated with them and implement personalized treatment in this respect. #NeoInsight #Healthcare#Cancer #Oncology #OncologyPatient #Brain #Memory #CognitiveImpairment

Did you know that systemic pruritus (itching) is one of the specific problems in palliative medicine? 🩺It results from changes in organ function associeted with illness. Pruritus therapy in palliative care requires an individual approach. Determining the cause of itching is the first step towards an effective treatment. Depending on the established cause, it can be treated pharmacologically or non-pharmacologically. For example, in the treatment of pruritus associated with kidney disease, it can be relieved by drugs from groups such as GABA-analogues or kappa-opioid agonists. But also the administration of omega-3 fatty acids and topical capsaicin can be helpful. Medications to alleviate pruritus occurring as a result of liver disease are certain antibiotics for example, rifampicin.💊 Remember that pruritus can significantly reduce the quality of life of a palliative patient, so it is important to choose the right therapy. 🥼 #NeoInsight #Puritus #Itching #Therapy #PalliativeCare #PalliativeMedicine 

Electrolyte disorders are very common complications in cancer patients.💦 They may result from comorbidities, the therapy used or be specific to the type of cancer. They usually concern abnormal levels of elements such as: 🔹 sodium, 🔹 potassium, 🔹 calcium, 🔹 magnesium. Electrolyte imbalance is unsafe, as it can worsen patient’s contidion, affect the effectiveness of treatment or result in the need to discontinue ongoing therapy. 💊 Early identification of electrolyte imbalance and the implementation of treatment hava a positive impact on the patient’s treatment and reduce the length of hospital stay. Remember to monitor the water-electrolyte balance of cancer patients! ⚠️ #NeoInsight #Electrolyte #Balance #Hyponatraemia #Imbalance #Hyperkalaemia #Hypokalaemia #Hypocallaemia #Hypercalcaemia #Hypomagnesaemia

Many people with cancer suffer from severe pain, requiring the use of opiods such as oxycodone. Is it more effective and safer than morphine? Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain, including cancer pain.This drug comes in the orally form as an: 🔵 immediate-release (IR) solution and tablets, 🔵 extended-release (CR) tablets. It is also available as a parenteral injection. In Poland we have each of the options available. At the current time, we are not certain that oxycodone is more effective and has fewer side effects (e.g. hallucinations, constipation) than morphine. There is also no evidence that the IR form is more effective than CR form or has fewer side effects. Cancer pain management is an extremely important part of therapeutic management and requires a personalised approach, so the patient's preference is also very important. #NeoInsight #Cancer #Oxycodone #Morphine #Safety #Efficacy #Opioid #Drug #Treatment #Pain 

Many people with cancer suffer from severe pain, requiring the use of opiods such as oxycodone. Is it more effective and safer than morphine? Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain, including cancer pain.This drug comes in the orally form as an: 🔵 immediate-release (IR) solution and tablets, 🔵 extended-release (CR) tablets. It is also available as a parenteral injection. In Poland we have each of the options available. At the current time, we are not certain that oxycodone is more effective and has fewer side effects (e.g. hallucinations, constipation) than morphine. There is also no evidence that the IR form is more effective than CR form or has fewer side effects. Cancer pain management is an extremely important part of therapeutic management and requires a personalised approach, so the patient's preference is also very important. #NeoInsight #Cancer #Oxycodone #Morphine #Safety #Efficacy #Opioid #Drug #Treatment #Pain 

A change in a cancer patient's weight can occur at any stage of treatment. This refers to both weight loss and weight gain. Cancer treatment can cause changes in aptitude, metabolism, taste perception and gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea. Malnutrition resulting from, among other things, excessive weight loss results in weakened immunity of the patient and a poorer response to treatment. Excessive weight gain, in turn, may result, for example, in a greater risk of developing concomitant diseases (e.g. hypertension), difficulties during surgical treatment or increased anesthesia risk. Changes in body weight during cancer treatment may require adjustment of the drug dose. Both its excessive decrease and increase may affect the metabolism of the drug in the body and its effectiveness. There is no perfect diet for people with cancer, but it should take into account the caloric needs that change over time. It is a good idea to get the help of a dietician. #NeoInsight #Weight #Cancer #WeightLoss #WeightGain #Dose #Drug #Treatment

Breast cancer prevention includes, among others, regular breast self-examination and imaging tests (e.g. mammography). Based on a careful risk assessment, health care providers sometimes recommend drug therapy to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are at increased risk. These drugs include selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen and raloxifene. They work by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue. These drugs are only effective in preventing cancers that are known to be dependent on female hormones. Another category of drugs that may reduce the risk of breast cancer are aromatase inhibitors (AIs). However, these drugs have not yet received FDA approval for this use. They work by blocking the enzyme (aromatase), which is responsible for the production of estrogen in the body. AIs are contraindicated in women with intact ovarian function. The choice of therapy should be individual and take into account the risk profile of the specific treatment and the patient's preferences. Particular consideration should be given to the risk of thromboembolism, bone mineral density, and the occurrence of menopause. #NeoInsight #Healthcare #BreastCancer #Risk #Cancer #Oncology #OncologyPatient #MedicalResearch #SERM #AI #Mammography

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 440 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. Diabetes is a direct cause of 1.6 million deaths annually. The number of affected individuals and the frequency of this disease have been steadily increasing over the past decades. In Poland, at least 3 million people have diabetes, with a staggering 1 million unaware of their condition as it has not yet been diagnosed. Why do we mention diabetes in the context of cancer? 👉 Diabetes increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by 38% (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.26–1.51) and rectal cancer by 20% (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.31). These associations persist even after adjusting for smoking, obesity, and physical activity. Hyperinsulinemia may explain this association, as insulin is a significant factor in the growth of colonic mucosal cells and stimulates colon cancer cells. In a cohort of 14,916 men, it was found that a high concentration of IGF-1 increases the risk of CRC (RR 2.51). Diabetes also worsens the prognosis of CRC patients; a study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of death from CRC. 👉 Epidemiological studies indicate a link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. A meta-analysis of 88 studies showed that the risk of pancreatic cancer in people with diabetes is over twice that of those without diabetes (RR 2.08). Some studies suggest that diabetes may be a consequence of pancreatic cancer rather than its cause (after pancreatic tumor surgery, diabetes resolves in most patients with newly diagnosed diabetes), but other data indicate that glucose metabolism disorders and insulin resistance may be risk factors for pancreatic cancer. In light of the above data, cancer prevention begins with comprehensive care for the entire body and the prevention of other diseases. #NeoInsight #DiabetesAwareness #CancerPrevention #Healthcare #PublicHealth #DiabetesImpact #CancerRiskFactors #PreventiveCare #HealthEducation #GlobalHealthAwareness

Last month, we delved into the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Focusing traditional therapy methods not only on cancer cells but also on TME opens new treatment perspectives. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICB) constituted the first generation of antibody-based therapies targeting immune cells in TME. ICB operates by inhibiting receptor-ligand interactions (e.g., CTLA4 and PD1), thereby attenuating T cell activation and function. Another promising approach is dendritic cell (DC)-based therapy. This treatment involves isolating the patient's dendritic cells and then attaching cancer antigens to them. The next step is to introduce the modified cells back into the patient's body. As a result, T lymphocytes are activated, which destroy cancer cells. An example of this therapy is the Provenge vaccine used to treat advanced prostate cancer. 💉 Angiogenesis is also a crucial research area within the tumor microenvironment. Anti-angiogenic therapy targeting the VEGF/VEGFR signaling axis, such as combining bevacizumab with PDL-1, has shown some success in treating certain types of cancers, like kidney cancer. While TME-targeted therapy unlocks new avenues in combating cancers, existing treatment methods have their limitations. Nevertheless, with an increasingly better understanding of TME mechanisms, we anticipate the identification of new therapeutic targets and strategies. 👨⚕️ #NeoInsight #TumorMicroenvironment #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #DendriticCellTherapy #Angiogenesis #CheckpointBlockade #PrecisionMedicine #CancerTreatment #TherapeuticStrategies