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Showing posts from October, 2025

Understanding Multiple Myeloma and the Role of Lenalidomide

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  Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that begins in plasma cells, a part of the immune system found inside the bone marrow. These cells normally make antibodies to fight infection, but in myeloma, they start multiplying without control. Over time, this buildup affects the bones, kidneys, and immune system. What Causes Multiple Myeloma? The exact cause isn’t always clear, but researchers link it to genetic mutations and environmental factors. Family history, exposure to radiation, or certain chemicals may increase the risk. It usually affects older adults and progresses slowly in most cases. Common Signs and Symptoms Many people notice bone pain, especially in the back or ribs, or they might feel tired and weak for no clear reason. Some face frequent infections or notice unexplained weight loss. Since the symptoms develop slowly, diagnosis often happens late. Tests like blood work, urine studies, and bone marrow biopsy help doctors confirm the condition. Treatment Opti...

Venetoclax: How It Helps Treat Blood Cancer

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  Blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) begin when white blood cells stop behaving normally. They multiply too fast, don’t die when they should, and crowd out the healthy cells your body needs to function. Venetoclax is one of the newer medicines designed to fix that imbalance. It targets a protein called BCL-2, which cancer cells use as a kind of survival shield. By blocking this protein, Venetoclax helps those abnormal cells die naturally, giving healthy ones room to grow again.   What is Venetoclax? Most traditional treatments attack cells broadly. Venetoclax works from within, nudging cancer cells toward a natural shutdown process called apoptosis. It’s part of a newer class of drugs known as BCL-2 inhibitors. Doctors prescribe it for: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) It’s often combined with other medicines like azacitidine or rituximab to impr...

Ovarian and Breast Cancer Treatment in the Philippines: The Growing Role of Olaparib

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 Cancer treatment in the Philippines can feel like a marathon that never ends — between the hospital visits, test results, and costs that keep adding up. For many women facing ovarian or breast cancer, finding a treatment that works and fits the budget can feel impossible. That’s why drugs like Olaparib have drawn so much attention lately. It’s not just another chemotherapy pill; it’s part of a newer group of targeted medicines that focus on the weak points of cancer cells. Treatment Options and the Rise of Targeted Therapy Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation continue to play an important role. However, in recent years, targeted therapy has gained attention for its ability to directly act on cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. One of the most effective targeted drugs for BRCA-mutated cancers is Olaparib . A Quick Look at the Science Olaparib belongs to a class called PARP inhibitors. In simple terms, it blocks cancer cells from fixing th...

Understanding Bone Health: Osteoporosis, Paget’s Disease, and Cancer-Related Bone Problems

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 Bones aren’t just a framework for our body — they support movement, protect organs, and store essential minerals. But sometimes, things go wrong. Conditions like osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and cancer that spreads to the bones can make them weak and fragile. Osteoporosis is when bones gradually lose density. That means even small bumps or falls can cause fractures. Paget’s disease leads to irregular bone growth, which can make bones deformed or painful. Cancer-related bone issues happen when tumors affect the bone structure, causing pain and increasing the risk of breaks. When bones are weak, it affects daily life — walking, lifting, even simple movements can become painful or risky. That’s why proper treatment and monitoring are so important. What is Zoledronic Acid? One treatment doctors often prescribe is Zoledronic Acid. This medicine works by slowing down the breakdown of bone, helping maintain strength and reducing the risk of fractures. It’s given through an IV inje...

Afatinib Tablets in the Philippines – Complete Information for Patients

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When it comes to treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation , Afatinib has become one of the most trusted options worldwide, including in the Philippines. It’s an oral targeted therapy that works differently from traditional chemotherapy — instead of attacking all cells, it focuses on blocking the signals that help cancer cells grow.   How Afatinib Works Afatinib belongs to a group of medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). It works by blocking a specific protein called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). Many cancer cells depend on this protein to grow and divide. When Afatinib blocks EGFR, it helps slow down or stop tumor growth. This is why it’s mainly used for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer, where genetic testing confirms the mutation. Available Strengths of Afatinib Doctors usually prescribe Afatinib based on the patient’s condition, response, and overall tolerance. It comes in different strengths such as: Afatinib 20 mg Afatinib...

Bone Problems in Cancer and How Zoledronic Acid 4mg Injection Helps in the Philippines

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 Cancer doesn’t always stay in one place. In many advanced cases, cancer cells spread from their original site to the bones — a condition known as  bone metastases . This happens most often in  breast cancer ,  prostate cancer ,  lung cancer , and  multiple myeloma . When this spread occurs, bones become weak and fragile, leading to  pain, fractures, spinal cord compression , and  high calcium levels  in the blood (a condition called hypercalcemia). These problems not only cause discomfort but can also limit a patient’s ability to walk, move, or continue treatment comfortably. Bone Complications in Cancer Our bones constantly renew themselves through a balance between breakdown and rebuilding. Cancer disrupts this balance by speeding up bone destruction. Over time, this causes: Sudden or persistent bone pain Increased risk of fractures Fatigue and weakness Elevated calcium in blood (which may cause nausea or confusion) In conditions...

How Venetoclax Helps in CLL and AML Treatment - What Patients Should Know

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Blood cancers such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) often go unnoticed in the beginning. People may just feel tired, get frequent infections, or see unusual blood test results. These diseases start in the bone marrow and slowly affect how your body makes healthy blood cells. In the Philippines, especially in cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao , more people are learning about these conditions and looking for reliable treatment options. Early diagnosis and awareness make a huge difference in recovery and long-term management. What Venetoclax Does Venetoclax is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat certain blood cancers like CLL and AML. It works by blocking a protein called BCL-2, which cancer cells use to stay alive. When this protein is blocked, those cells die naturally. Possible Side Effects of Venetoclax Like all strong cancer treatments, Venetoclax can have side effects. Most of them are manageable with proper monitoring, but a few may ...