Oncology and Radiology

Cancer biology is the branch of science that focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in the development and progression of cancer. Carcinogenesis  refers to the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. Oncogenes are mutated or dysregulated forms of normal cellular genes, called proto-oncogenes, which play essential roles in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and division. When activated by mutations or other mechanisms, oncogenes can promote excessive cell proliferation and contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

• Metastasis
• Epigenetics
• Cancer Stem Cells
• Immune Evasion

 Biopsy is a critical step in the diagnostic process for cancer. It provides essential information about the type, subtype, grade, and stage of cancer, which are crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment over time. It is a medical procedure where a sample of tissue or cells is taken from a person's body to be examined under a microscope.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
• Ultrasound (Sonography)

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that focuses on the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer. It involves the application of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, and alleviate symptoms. Clinical oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, integrating various treatments and supportive care strategies to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
• High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
• Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy

Interventional radiology (IR) is a subspecialty of radiology that uses minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancers. Interventional radiologists use imaging tools such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to navigate instruments like catheters, wires, and needles inside the body, allowing for precise treatment with minimal recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

• Angiography and Angioplasty
• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
• Radioembolization (Selective Internal Radiation Therapy, SIRT)
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA)

Radiopharmaceuticals are a unique category of drugs used in both the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. They are compounds that contain a radioactive isotope and are designed to target specific tissues, cells, or biochemical processes in the body.

• Technetium-99m (Tc-99m)
• Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
• Gallium-68 (Ga-68)
• Lutetium-177 (Lu-177)
• Yttrium-90 (Y-90)

Therapeutic targeting of cancer involves designing and applying treatments that specifically target cancer cells and the mechanisms driving their growth, survival, and spread, while minimizing harm to normal cells. This approach includes a range of strategies, from targeted therapies and immunotherapies to novel drug delivery systems and combination therapies. It involves a multifaceted approach that leverages advancements in molecular biology, immunology, and nanotechnology. Continued research and innovation are crucial for improving the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of cancer treatments, ultimately aiming to provide personalized and effective care for cancer patients.

• Gene Therapy
• Chemo-Immunotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy
• Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
• Monoclonal Antibodies

Nanotechnology in cancer treatment leverages the unique properties of nanoparticles and nanoscale materials to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer. This approach enhances the precision and efficacy of cancer therapies while minimizing side effects. Nanoparticles can be engineered to carry anticancer drugs and release them specifically at the tumor site. They can be functionalized with ligands that bind to receptors overexpressed on cancer cells, ensuring precise targeting. Increased drug concentration at the tumor site, reduced systemic toxicity, and improved therapeutic efficacy.

• Photothermal Therapy (PTT)
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
• Liposomal Nanoparticles
• Magnetic Nanoparticles

Advanced radio technology is revolutionizing cancer treatment, offering more precise, effective, and personalized therapies. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of improved patient outcomes, reduced side effects, and a better quality of life for cancer patients. Ongoing innovation and research are critical to fully realize the potential of these advancements in clinical practice. These technologies have significantly evolved, offering better targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissues.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. It involves the abnormal production of white blood cells (leukocytes) which are essential for fighting infections. In leukemia, these abnormal cells do not function properly and crowd out healthy blood cells. Treatment for leukemia depends on the type, subtype, and individual factors such as age and overall health. It may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in leukemia.

• Myelogenous Leukemia (Myeloid or Myelocytic)
• Lymphocytic Leukemia (Lymphoblastic or Lymphocytic)
• Acute Leukemia
• Chronic Leukemia

Stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplantation (BMT), is a treatment used primarily for certain types of cancers, including leukemia, as well as other blood disorders. is a procedure where healthy stem cells are used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow. Stem cells are immature cells that can develop into various types of  blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These stem cells are found in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside bones.

•  Autologous Transplantation
•  Allogeneic Transplantation
• aGraft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

Breast cancer is also known as mammary cancer or simply as breast carcinoma that originates in the breast tissue. It typically begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules), the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, or in the supportive tissue (stroma) of the breast. Breast cancer treatment and management often involve a multidisciplinary approach with oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals working together to provide personalized care based on the individual's specific circumstances.

• Molecular biology (ER, PR, HER2 status)
• Epidemiology
• Chemotherapy
• Pathophysiology

Precision oncology is an approach to cancer treatment and research that aims to customize medical care based on individual patient characteristics, such as genetic makeup, molecular profiles of tumors, and other biomarkers .It involves using advanced technologies like genomic sequencing, molecular diagnostics, and targeted therapies to identify specific genetic mutations or molecular abnormalities driving a patient's cancer. The goal is to match patients with treatments that are most likely to be effective and minimize potential side effects, thereby improving outcomes and quality of life.

• Genomic Profiling
• Immunotherapy
• Companion Diagnostics

Cancer cell signaling refers to the complex network of molecular interactions within cancer cells and between cancer cells and their surrounding environment. These signaling pathways play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, migration, and metabolism. Understanding cancer cell signaling is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving treatment outcomes.

• Signal Transduction Pathways
• Intracellular Signaling Molecules
• Dysregulation in Cancer
• Targeting Cancer Cell Signaling for Therapy

Cancer metabolism refers to the distinct metabolic characteristics and adaptations of cancer cells that support their abnormal growth, survival, and proliferation. These metabolic changes are a hallmark of cancer and play a crucial role in tumor progression. Cancer metabolism is a rapidly evolving field that continues to uncover new insights into the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells and its therapeutic implications. Understanding these metabolic adaptations is crucial for developing innovative treatments and improving outcomes for cancer patients.

• Aerobic Glycolysis (Warburg Effect)
• Glutamine Metabolism
• Regulation by Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors
• Metabolic Interactions with the Tumor Microenvironment

Clinical case studies and reports in oncology provide valuable insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of cancer patients. These studies contribute to the collective knowledge of healthcare professionals and researchers, helping to improve patient care and refine treatment strategies  .They play a critical role in advancing our understanding of cancer and improving patient care by sharing knowledge, experiences, and outcomes within the medical community. They provide valuable insights that complement larger clinical trials and population-based studies, offering a more nuanced perspective on individualized patient care.