Second person to be HIV-free spells hope for the global Aids fight
For the second time in history, a person carrying the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been cured. Almost
12 years after the first person became HIV-free, doctors have managed
to replicate that success, something medical professionals all over the
world tried long and hard to do. An article details how the second patient is in “long-term remission”, similar to the first one.
How does this ‘cure’ work?
The researchers prefer publicly calling the treatment a “long-term
remission” because the idea of this being a fool-proof cure for HIV is
inaccurate. It is difficult to officially designate a treatment as a “cure” if there are only two known instances of it, they add. Nonetheless, both treatments have a commonality: bone-marrow
transplants. The transplants initially intended to treat cancer in the
two patients. A California resident,
initially known only as the “Berlin patient”, became the first to be
HIV-free. He had two stem cell transplants that cleared his body of HIV, according to reports. It is reported that both patients’ immune systems were first “wiped out” via
chemotherapy and then replaced with stem cell transplants and
non-malignant donor cells. The bone marrow transplants infused their body with much-needed immunity, which then resisted the spread of HIV. Such
a transplant is not a realistic mass technique yet because it is very
risky, has serious complications, and is difficult to replicate. The report says that despite efforts to duplicate Brown’s treatment, patients
tested positive around nine months after they stopped taking anti-HIV
drugs. However, the second person, who prefers to remain
anonymous and is being called the “London patient”, has been off
anti-HIV drugs for over 16 months now and has tested negative for the
virus.
Hope for future treatments?
Currently, doctors prescribe
anti-HIV drugs, such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
or entry inhibitors, that not only prevent HIV cells from duplication
but also prevent them from entering white blood cells. However, Brown’s doctor said, “By repeating the procedure in another patient, there is more evidence that the ‘Berlin patient’ is not an exception.” The London patient’s treatment was also much less harsh than Brown’s, giving medical professionals and patients renewed hope. The London patient told the reporters, “I feel a sense of responsibility to help doctors understand how it happened so they can develop the science.”
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Dr. Mark Karides reflects on the basics of oral chemotherapy treatment as well as its rewards and challenges.
Dr. Mark Karides | What You Need to Know about Oral Chemotherapy
Oncologist and hematologist Dr. Mark Karides is committed to providing the highest quality of care and treatment to his patients. This requires an extensive understanding of cancer, blood diseases, and treatment options. Since no two patients are the same, their treatment varies as well. One form of treatment that has begun to gain more attention is oral chemotherapy. It is one more option scientists have developed in their quest to cure cancer.
What is oral chemotherapy?
Many people have heard of chemotherapy as a common treatment for many forms of cancer. What they may not have heard as much about is oral chemotherapy. Rather than receiving treatment drugs intravenously, patients take them in capsule form. This means they are able to take them at home on their own rather than traveling to a medical facility. They are still potent drugs, so people must handle them with caution.
How is it taken?
It is important that patients follow all directions that their physician provides, despite being a pill, notes Dr. Mark Karides. They will have a schedule they must adhere to regarding when to take the pills. They are not necessarily taken every single day, so patients must take care not to miss a dose. It is also important to remain aware of any interactions with food or other medication that could reduce the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
Oftentimes the drugs have special storage and handling procedures as well. Even though the chemotherapy is given in an oral form, it is still as strong as the IV form. Patients should keep the pills in their original container as opposed to sorting them into a pill organizer. Sometimes wearing gloves is recommended for caregivers depending on the type of medication they are handling.
What are the side effects?
As with any treatment or medication, some people may experience side effects. They will differ from person to person depending on their response to the medication. Some potential side effects of oral chemotherapy include:
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Mouth sores
Hair loss
Changes in the skin
Low blood count
Patients should talk to their doctor about any side effects they are experiencing. The doctor may have suggestions for alleviating these symptoms or may adjust the course of treatment.
How is treatment monitored?
Even though the patient takes the oral chemotherapy at home, they will still have periodic check-ups with their doctor. The doctor will monitor their progress and perform testing to see how the cancer is responding. Depending on the results they may change the dosage, type of medication, or approach to treatment.
Dr. Mark Karides Highlights Rewards and Challenges of Oral Chemotherapy
“As with any form of treatment, oral chemotherapy comes with its rewards and challenges,” says Dr. Mark Karides, physician specialist at Progressive Care S.C., “It is essential that patients and physicians work together and are clear on their roles and responsibilities.” This form of treatment is not ideal for every patient, so it is important to discuss all options.
Convenience
Receiving treatment orally means that patients can take it at home and do not have to travel to a medical facility for administration. This often presents less interference to their schedule because it cuts down on travel and time requirements. In addition, the medication is sometimes taken less frequently than those given intravenously.
Some patients are prescribed oral chemotherapy in addition to traditional intravenous chemotherapy. Although they take one portion at home, they still must go to a medical facility for further treatment. The medication may have a stronger effect when used in combination with other therapies. “Treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis,” explains Dr. Mark Karides.
Adherence
More responsibility is put on the patient to adhere to the administration schedule. They must make sure they consistently take the right amount at the right time on the right day. It is also important they are able to swallow pills and have a means to obtain their prescription. Sometimes a caregiver may help with following instructions and giving medication.
When receiving care at a medical facility, the physician and staff have more control over patient compliance. They handle the dosage and administration and ensure that each patient gets their treatment as prescribed. When the physician prescribes oral chemotherapy they must make sure that the patient is thoroughly educated on the process to facilitate more effective treatment. It is important to maintain clear communication and follow-up.
Cost
Insurance plans vary greatly on which medications and treatments they cover and how much they will pay. Oral chemotherapy is typically more expensive than traditional infusion and requires the patient to pay more upfront. They must pay each time the prescription is filled. It may also lead to reduced cost in the long run because they require fewer services from the medical facility as far as treatment administration.
When receiving traditional infusion, the medical facility bills the patient’s insurance for all services. They may pay a co-pay upfront, but the balance is due later, once the claim is processed. Overall expense incurred will depend on the type of treatment, how it is given, and what insurance covers.
Cancer treatment is a complex process that requires collaboration and communication between many individuals. Patients and their physicians should explore all options in order to determine the best course of treatment for each particular case, says Dr. Mark Karides.
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Toddlers who play with smartphones are at an increased
risk of impeding their brain development, experts have
warned.
According to a new study, 25 per cent of kids as old as two
years old and younger have their own smartphones, which
parents say is used as a learning tool for their kids.
However, experts say it is too young for children to be
utilising this type of technology and that the kids are not
learning but are just being given the phone as a distraction.
Experts are concerned because this type of smartphone use,
at such a young age, can impede early development in
areas that would impact the child for the rest of their lives.
Since childhood is a time for serious brain development,
children could face problems with their basic social, verbal
and learning skills.
Psychiatrist said that this type of smartphone use could
actually hurt the child and that "this is really for
babysitting purposes or the fear that your child can't be
bored."
"These years are the years that you need to be developing
vocabulary, which means speaking and listening, so if
you're engaged in a gadget, you're really minimising that,"
she said.
"We've seen all kinds of data now on play and how
important it is to, frankly, be bored and be stimulated to do
imaginative play, what that does for building creativity,"
she said.
She said that parents should realise that a smartphone is
"structured time" and does not allow for free thinking.
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Closed shoes can act as a bacteria breeding ground, trapping moisture and causing that stinky feet stench, according to The Doctors' Book of Home Remedies. When you skip out on socks, there's nothing to absorb the sweat your feet produce.
Fix it: You can rub an antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet and between toes. It's also a good idea to dab your feet with an antifungal powder, which will help keep your tootsies dry. At night, dunk feet in a bacteria-killing bath of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. You could also try a black tea soak for about 30 minutes. The tannins kill bacteria and close up pores, which keep your feet dryer, longer. You'll see results in a few days to a week.
'Imatinib Mesylate' is a medicine which cures blood cancer. Its available free of cost at "Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai". Create Awareness. It might help someone.
