When we hear the word cancer it brings about a wide range of feelings, we are not accustomed to. The barrage of emotions becomes so overwhelming even for significant others that most often than not cancer sends a negative overtone to people. However, cancer does not have to be a death sentence. These days there are a lot of research and treatments available and your chances of living with cancer as well as beyond it are better than ever before. You can even live an active lifestyle whilst undergoing treatment.
In lieu, National Cancer Survivor Day is celebrated by people around the world to honor the lives of those who survived, are currently diagnosed, and are battling the disease. It is a day when we raise awareness of what cancer is and the daily struggles that come with living with it so that we can draw attention to the promotion of research and legislation that would aid a cancer survivor’s quality of life.
One such promising research is on the experimental cancer drug, Dostorlimab, which appears to have cured all patients in the US clinical trial and study.
It was reported in The New England Journal of Medicine that colorectal cancer patients who took Dostarlimab for six months and stopped the medication went into remission. The cancer was undetectable by physical exam, endoscopy, PET, or MRI scans. Moreover, unlike chemotherapy, there were no significant side effects reported with the drug.
This amazing development in cancer research and treatment shows there is hope even though there are certain caveats to bear in mind like the small test population and that these patients have a specific tumor genetic mutation called mismatch repair deficiency or MMRd. Nevertheless, we may be looking at the future revolutionary shift in cancer treatments.
This news could not come at the most appropriate time as we celebrate National Cancer Survivor Day this month!
If you suspect that you have cancer or have a family history of cancer, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. Consequently, below are some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer:
- Fatigue
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
- Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
References:
https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/rectal-cancer-drug-trial-dostarlimab-cure
