Senin, 19 Mei 2014

Bladder Cancer Research In The Modern World

By Minnie Whitley


There are many emerging issues in medicine today. Bladder cancer research is one these issues. Scientists are working overtime to eliminate this cancer completely. They are looking at changes in the DNA of the particular cells, carrying out urinal tests to detect bladder cancer, elimination of this cancer, and modern ways of handling cancer

The study of the genetic changes in bladder cancer cells has helped scientist in understanding the prognosis of patients. It has also helped them deal with recurrent cells; those that reappear after treatment.

Researchers are also concerned with carrying out urine tests in diagnosing this cancer. They specifically look for a substance called telomerase which is usually found in large amounts in cancer patients. The urinal test also helps check for recurrence in patients who have already been treated.

Patients are always vulnerable to cancerous cells in the bladder or even other parts of their bodies. Study is, therefore, presently concerned with finding ways of totally killing affected cells. Some of the things being done by doctors to kill these cells include; use of specific diets, therapies and specific drugs. Vaccines have also been developed to help prevent infection of normal cells.

New Surgical methods are also being applied by surgeons in removing unwanted cells. A group of surgeons use artificial hands in carrying out surgery. Unlike in normal surgery, surgeons make small incisions on patients. They then use these incisions in carrying out operations. Since patients have small wounds on their bodies, they take less time to heal as compared to normal surgery. This method is still being tried out on bladder cancer, but has been very successful in other types of the same disease. Doctors have also come up with another type of drug that can be put in the affected area to reduce the probability of recurrence.

Photodynamic therapy is another new treatment being considered in treating this cancer in its early stages. A drug that is sensitive to light is put into cancer cells and left there for some days. An instrument is then used to focus some laser light on the inner parts of it. This light converts the drug into a substance that kills the cells. This therapy eliminates cancerous cells and only affects normal cells to a small extent. This method of treatment is, however, disadvantageous in the sense that, only cells on the surface of the bladder are treated, and worse still, severe burns can be caused if the bladder is exposed to light for long.

Targeted therapy is another treatment being used by doctors in treatment of affected cells. It is mainly the use of medicine that specifically focuses on changes in these cells due to cancer. Some drugs target blood vessels which bring about cancerous cells and when treated they reduce the versatility.

The last treatment method is gene therapy. It involves changing the genetic composition of cancerous cells. Altering the genetic composition of cells rids them of cancer. This therapy is still being tested to see whether it is effective for treating all types of cancer or can only treat some types of the same disease.




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