Managing Cancer With Dr Anil Thakwani

On the 3rd of January, team GoMedii had an insightful FaceBook live session with Dr. Anil Thakwani, senior consultant and director of the oncology department at Sharda Hospitals, Greater NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh. The session revolved around the nuances of cancer management, where Dr Anil touched upon three main topics:

• Is cancer preventable in nature?
• Are there effective treatments available for cancer that have progressed despite prior treatments?
• How can cancer be diagnosed without complex biopsy procedures?

Dr Anil also informed viewers about the newly established Oncology department at Sharda Hospitals. Their department has recently established LINAC or Linear Accelerator,  a machine that aims radiation at cancer tumors with pinpoint accuracy, sparing nearby healthy tissue. It’s used to deliver several external beam radiation therapy types, including Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

LINAC has made radiation treatment more precise, less invasive, and with minimal side effects.

We are sure you will be relieved to know the topics of discussion. So were our viewers! This session was no other session but a highly informative one, where we had a delightful discussion on the latest developments that are taking place in cancer treatment research. Dr Anil explained all the topics in a crisp yet informative manner. For those who came live with us, we are sure you must have had some valuable takeaways!

Worry not for those who couldn’t attend the session, as this article will give you all the key takeaways and enrich your understanding of cancer.

Dr. Anil Thakwani started the session by introducing our viewers to the concept of cancer – the uncontrolled multiplication of body cells due to genetic mutations within our bodies. There are two types of tumors – benign and malignant. A benign tumor, generally, doesn’t need much treatment as it is non-invasive. But when it comes to malignant tumors, they have invading properties and can spread to almost all the body’s major organs like the brain, bone, spleen, lungs, liver, lymph nodes, etc.

Malignant tumors create problems depending on the work of the organ. For example, if the tumor is affecting the liver, then it will be manifested in the form of jaundice. In the case of the spleen, that organ would start painting and wouldn’t go away with regular medications.

Cancer onset and its spread depend on two significant genes – oncogenes and tumor-suppressive genes. Once genes in humans are in an inactive form, the mitosis takes place in a monitored manner. Tumor-suppressive genes in humans are active and help control tumor formations. If the activation status of these genes gets reversed, cancer occurs.

Q: Is Cancer Preventable In Nature?

A: According to Dr Anil Thakwani, this is the most asked question by patients. According to him, cancer can be prevented by understanding its factors, as it is a multi-factorial disease.

1. Risk Factors

Firstly, it’s best to understand the risk factors that can increase your chances of getting cancer, like:

• Genital infections, especially in females. This can be avoided by undergoing appropriate vaccinations and maintaining hygiene.
• Consumption of alcohol is excessive.
• Exposure to unnecessary radiation.
• Obesity, especially for breast, stomach, and intestine cancers.
• Extended sun exposure can cause skin cancer.
• Environmental pollutants (prevalent in India and African nations) can cause lung cancer and Asbestosis (due to prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers in the air).

Coming to the prevention part, cancer can be prevented and even cured if caught at an early stage – Stage 1 or Stage 2. According to Dr Thakwani, 70% of cancer cases can be prevented if people keep in mind the risk factors and opt for annual screening tests. He added that one should never ignore symptoms that are not going away.

2. Screening Tests

Dr Thakwani suggested that one should undergo screening tests after a certain age. Moreover, as soon as you see a particular symptom, you should never ignore it. It’s best to consult a specialist who can guide you further. India offers free screening tests to certain Indian age groups.

• One should go for annual early mammograms after the age of 25-30 years so that cancer can be detected at an early stage.
• BCRA Gene test to detect breast or ovarian cancer.
• PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen test to detect prostate cancer. Only a tiny blood sample of yours is required (5 ml) to examine for prostate cancer. If the PSA velocity is high, further tests may be required.
• Low-dose CT scan for lung cancer; only when recommended.
• Pap Smear for cervical cancer should be done at least once every year, starting from 15-16 years of age onwards.
• CEA test and occult fecal blood test for colon cancer.

3. Vaccinations

Dr Thakwani also discussed the vaccines that one can opt for to prevent cancer. Certain cancers like cervical cancer and liver cancer start with the starts. One can avoid such cancers by being updated with one’s vaccination schedule.

Cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of HPV or Human papillomavirus. While some strains cause genital warts, others can cause cancer. Common HPV strains include strains 16 and 18, while rare ones include strains 6 and 11. Dr Anil Thakwani stressed how women infected with HPV have a 50% higher chance of developing cervical cancer. Moreover, it can also lead to head-neck malignancies. But fret not. It can be prevented with a vaccine!

There are various types of cervical cancer vaccines like bivalent HPV vaccine or polyvalent HPV vaccine. India has started manufacturing these vaccines, which has reduced its costs considerably.

Liver cancer is mainly caused by the Hepatitis B virus. But it can be prevented by opting for the Hepatitis B vaccine ( 3 doses + 1 booster dose). Jaundice or liver cirrhosis can also lead to the development of liver cancer in the later course of life.

Q: Are There Effective Treatments Available For Cancer That Have Progressed Despite Prior Treatments?

A: According to Dr Anil Thakwani, five primary advanced treatments are available to fight cancer. These treatments, unlike the conventional ones, have minimal side effects. Moreover, these cells do not harm the healthy cells. These advancements in treatments are:

• Targeted Therapy: Although costlier than conventional therapies, it has zero side effects.

• Hormone Therapy: It is a wonder drug for cancers of the prostate, ovaries, or breast. These cancers feed on hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Hormone therapy administers receptor blockers that prevent the flow of hormones to the affected areas, starving the cancer and stopping it from growing. Some medicines even completely stop the body from making these natural hormones.

• Immunotherapy: When cancer cells become more robust than the immune system, immune checkpoint inhibitors are given that block the checkpoint proteins from binding with their partner proteins. This prevents the off signal from being sent, allowing the T-cells to kill cancer cells.

• CAR T-cell Therapy: It is the latest type of immunotherapy. Cancer cells tend to change their configuration after a while, making it difficult for the T-cell receptors to bind with cancer cells to kill them. The patient’s T-cells are collected and genetically engineered in this therapy by developing CAR receptors. They are then reintroduced into the patient’s body to kill the cancer cells.

• LINAC or Linear Accelerator: One of the most advanced medical equipment to administer high-dose radiation to the patient to kill off the cancer cells. Through this machine, the intensity of the radiation can be modulated according to the spread of the cancer. For example, respiratory gating is a clever method that uses computer software to control when radiation is given while a patient breathes. During treatment, a tumor may shift, especially in body parts that move when we breathe, like the lungs, chest, or abdomen. This technology helps make sure the radiation hits the right spot. Gating radiation is also given when the tumor is in the left breast so that the heart is not affected because of radiation.

As Dr Thakwani said, there are no significant side effects of LINAC. 

Q: How Can Cancer Be Diagnosed Without Complex Biopsy Procedures?

A: Dr Thakwani was prompt in answering this question. He says the traditional way of detecting cancer has been a biopsy. Many developed nations like the Americas and the European Union still do needle biopsies for diagnosing cancer. Needle biopsy might be a fool-proof diagnostic test, but it has complications. For example, Pneumothorax is the most common complication of needle aspiration or biopsy of the lung. It is a condition when air collects in the pleural cavity outside the lung. This accumulation of air between the parietal and visceral pleura can exert pressure on the lung, leading to its collapse.

However, in India, an advanced technique for biopsy is used to avoid complications like Pneumothorax called liquid biopsy. This takes 5ml of your blood as a sample for detecting tumor cells. Liquid biopsy is better than needle biopsy as it further reduces the complications accompanying biopsy.

Conclusion

Dr Thakwani finished the session by answering some questions our audience asked. Within that, he explained how oncologists advise their patients regarding a specific treatment by comparing its pros and cons.

Choose GoMedii For The Best And Most Affordable Cancer Treatment Cost in India

If you want the best and most affordable cancer treatment cost in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.

We have tie-ups with one of the most reputed hospitals to get you the best medical treatment in India at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail yourself of our packages, you can contact us on our website or call us at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

Contact GoMedii to get your queries resolved by our team of medical experts. You can also reach out to us to apply for a medical visa.

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