Cancer

Cancer Medications : Iressa, Kepivance
by National Cancer Institute
On June 17, 2005, the FDA approved new labeling for gefitinib (Iressa®, a trademark of AstraZeneca) that limits the indication to cancer patients who, in the opinion of their treating physician, are currently benefiting, or have previously benefited

Cancer End of Life Care
by National Cancer Institute
When a patient's health care team determines that the cancer can no longer be controlled, medical testing and cancer treatment often stop. But the patient's care continues. The care focuses on making the patient comfortable.

Sharing Your Feelings About Cancer
by National Cancer Institute
Since people are living much longer these days, many people with cancer may also be caring for their aging parents. For example, you may help your parents with their shopping or take them to doctor. Your aging parents may even live with you.

Cancer Pain : Opioids
by National Cancer Institute
Opioids are very effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Many patients with cancer pain, however, become tolerant to opioids during long-term therapy. Therefore, increasing doses may be needed to continue to relieve pain.

Cancer Medications : Gemzar, Hycamtin
by National Cancer Institute
On May 19, 2004, the FDA approved gemcitabine HCl for injection (Gemzar, made by Eli Lilly and Company) in combination with paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline containing

Important Facts About Cancer Pain Treatment
by National Cancer Institute
Having cancer does not always mean having pain. For those with pain, there are many different kinds of medicines, ways to receive the medicine, and nonmedicine methods that can relieve the pain you may have.

Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders
by National Cancer Institute
Myeloproliferative disorders are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Normally, the bone marrow makes stem cells (immature blood cells) that develop into mature blood cells.

Cancer Pain
by National Cancer Institute
Cancer pain can be managed effectively in most patients with cancer or with a history of cancer. Although cancer pain cannot always be relieved completely, therapy can lessen pain in most patients.

Anal Cancer
by National Cancer Institute
Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus. The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool (solid waste) leaves the body.

Radiation Therapy Side Effects, Part 2
by National Cancer Institute
Radiation therapy can cause hair loss, also known as alopecia, but only in the area being treated. For example, if you are receiving treatment to your hip, you will not lose the hair from your head.

Metastatic Cancer
by National Cancer Institute
When symptoms of metastatic cancer occur, the type and frequency of the symptoms will depend on the size and location of the metastasis. For example, cancer that spreads to the bones is likely to cause pain and can lead to bone fractures.

Ovarian Cancer : Reduced Risk, Screening Test
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Factors associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer include: giving birth to more than one child, breast-feeding, tubal ligation (female sterilization), and use of birth control pills.

Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
by National Cancer Institute
Bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones. It contains immature cells known as hematopoietic or blood-forming stem cells. (Hematopoietic stem cells are different from embryonic stem cells.

Cancer Medications : Temodar, Velcade
by National Cancer Institute
Temozolomide (TMZ) previously received accelerated approval in 1999 for the treatment of adult patients with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma. This treatment indication is also converted to full approval based on the results of the GBM study described

Cancer : Depression and Anxiety, Memory
by National Cancer Institute
After treatment, you may still feel angry, tense, sad, or blue. For most people, these feelings go away or lessen over time. For up to one in four people, though, these emotions can become severe.

Cancer Medications : Rituxan, Sprycel
by National Cancer Institute
On February 10, 2006, the FDA granted approval to rituximab (Rituxan, made by Genentech and Biogen-Idec) for use in the first-line treatment of patients with diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in combination with cyclophosphamide

FDA Regulations and U.S. Drug Law
by National Cancer Institute
The present system of FDA regulation has evolved over the course of this century. Before 1906, there were no laws guaranteeing the quality of medicines and no regulations requiring a doctor's prescription for medications.

Advanced Cancer : Clinical Trials, Hospice, Home Care
by National Cancer Institute
If you decide to try a clinical trial, the trial you choose will depend on the type of cancer you have. It will also depend on the treatments you have already received. Each study has rules about who can take part.

New Cancer Treatments : Off-Label Drugs
by National Cancer Institute
Off-label use of drugs is widespread in cancer treatment for several reasons. Some cancer drugs are found to be effective against a variety of tumor types. The mechanism of action of a drug or biologic (the way it works in the body) often suggests

Cancer Medications : Revlimid
by National Cancer Institute
On June 29, 2006, the FDA granted approval to lenalidomide oral capsules (Revlimid, made by Celgene Corporation) for use in combination with dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma who have received one prior therapy.