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Doctors today use three main tools in their fight against cancer: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The experiences that Chris Johnson and Mary Coffin have had with those treatments are described below.
Chris has undergone three surgeries to remove the original tumor and two recurrences. The third surgery was done with intraoperative MRI. Chris is now missing about a quarter of his brain.
Mary had one surgery to remove the brain tumor and a biopsy of her spinal tumor.
After his original diagnosis, Chris had six weeks of radiation, including double sessions during the final two weeks. He also has had 70 total brachytherapy seeds implanted over two surgeries, and had a stereotactic blast, which is a high dose of radiation delivered all at once. To insure accuracy, an aluminum halo is screwed into the patient’s skull and the halo is secured to the radiation table.
Mary had six weeks of stereotactic radiation after her original diagnosis in 1994. Since her tumor relapsed, she has had radiation to her brain and spine.
Mary has undergone five different types of chemotherapy, including the traditional mix of vincristine and carboplatin, after her recurrence in 1999. She was also on Gleevec, a next-generation chemo that has shown success in treating some forms of cancer.
Chris underwent 11 months of chemotherapy immediately following his diagnosis and first surgery.
In addition to gene expression profiling, there are a number of other promising areas in cancer study and treatment.
Proteomics
Measuring proteins (which decide what functions a cell can perform) in a tumor. Cancer typically mutates proteins.
Genomics
Identifying abnormal DNA sequences that may be responsible for mutant proteins. Helps identify inherited genes that predispose someone to cancer.
Antiangiogenic therapies
Using naturally occurring or chemical substances to cut off a tumor’s blood supply.
Gene therapy
Introducing a foreign gene into the body to correct a defective gene, stimulate the immune system or make the body resistant to chemo so higher doses can be given.
Immunotherapy
Stimulating the immune system so the body’s natural defenses will recognize and attack cancer cells.
Small molecule inhibitors
Drugs that block proteins’ signaling components to keep them from triggering cancer’s out-of-control cell division.
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