Prostate cancer and steroids

The human organism is, at birth at least, a well rounded, timed and compact machine, that can function in all conditions on the planet, more or less. The evolution of man has seen to it that the body and organism of man are changed only minimally. We are on top of the food chain in this world, and have no natural enemies, in order to restore balance in the universe Mother Nature has made us susceptible to various types of sicknesses, diseases, viruses etc.

Of course, being as intelligent as we are, the human race has invented medicines for the vast majority of health issues that have been troubling us for many years. That is to say that humans are still yet to find a cure for some of the most dangerous and stubborn sicknesses that have ever existed-HIV, AIDS, cancer etc.

Take cancer, for example: it’s been around for years but no one seems to have been able to find the solution for it. When it strikes, it strikes hard and leaves very little chance of recovery. It can appear almost anywhere in the body, but in the case of cancer location makes no difference-whether it’s:
• Lung
• Stomach
• Tongue
• Throat or
• Prostate- it rarely goes away.

The paradox
Persistent as they are, humans have been trying to find the answer but all of the efforts seem to have been in vain. If you look at prostate cancer-the common medical practice states that, depending on the current state and progression level of the cancer, a prostate intervention is what is needed (in the majority of cases).

However, in recent times it was noticed that androgen therapy has, contrary to popular belief and practice, resulted in an improvement with androgen deficiency symptoms and concomitant prostate disease. What’s more, it is unexplainable how or why the current prostate cancer treatments, such as early discovery and prostate cancer screening, have come to become the common ways of treating prostate cancer, especially since there is no evidence or indication whatsoever in medical literature that support the claim that androgens worsen or even cause prostate disease in the first place.

The eye-opener
In recent experiments and analysis, it was demonstrated that PSA testing (Prostate Specific Antigen) and DRE screening (Digital Rectal Exam) do not significantly reduce prostate cancer rate of death. Furthermore, if PSA and DRE screening results lead to a false finding, which causes patients to receive a surgical procedure that is quite significant-the consequence is a sizeable screening burden. Also, it is noticeable that patients with prostate cancer are receiving a considerable amount of over-treatment simply because prostate cancer screening and also many treatments that follow are so widespread and urgent.

Another type of therapy for prostate cancer that is being used against reason is the androgen ablation therapy-it’s very expensive. The reasons why it’s not very cost effective are primarily the lack of beneficial and usable results, the contrasting effects that cannot be avoided and must be endured, and the considerable costs of the therapy itself.

The solution
Since most anabolic steroids are known to increase testosterone levels in the body, testosterone therapy can potentially be used to improve many signs and recognized symptoms of prostate cancer, and ones that have to do with the deficiency of testosterone in particular. Testosterone therapy can be linked to many positive effects for prostate cancer treatment, unlike androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), for example, which is known to cause the exact opposite effect than that of the testosterone therapy.

The summary
The original and commonly used prostate cancer treatment practices have never been based on appropriate and sufficient data. The true power of evidence based medicine is depicted in the recent realization that the common practices are not only inadequate and ineffective, but also that new and until now untested methods of treatment, such as increasing patients’ testosterone levels, are the way to go in the battle with prostate cancer.

Steroids and Cancer Treatments

When you hear the word steroid you may think of "roid rage" and muscle-bound gym rats with shrunken testicles. But if your doctor prescribed steroids as part of your treatment for cancer or another serious illness, don't worry. It's not "that" kind of steroid.
Your doctor is actually talking about cortisol, a form of steroid that your body produces naturally. It's different from anabolic steroids, which are the illegal muscle-building kind.

How Steroids Help

Although the cortisol-type steroids prescribed for cancer treatment are different from anabolic steroids, you still need to take them under the close supervision of your doctor or medical specialist.
You'll probably get a manmade version of the natural steroid cortisol, such as:

• cortisone
• hydrocortisone
• prednisone
• methylprednisolone
• dexamethasone

These can help with your treatment in a variety of ways:

• reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy and radiation
• kill cancer cells and shrink tumors as part of chemotherapy
• decrease swelling
• reduce allergic reactions (before transfusions, for example)
• lessen headaches caused by brain tumors

Sometimes, your doctor will recommend steroid treatments just to help you sleep, eat, and feel better.
Doctors can prescribe steroids for cancer treatment several ways:

• by injection
• through an intravenous (IV) drip
• in liquid or pill form
• as a cream

Steroids used in medical treatments can have some side effects, although they're not as extreme as the side effects from anabolic steroids. Talk to your doctor and ask questions if you're worried.
You may not have any side effects. But if you do, don't worry — they'll only last as long as you're taking the steroids. When you stop your treatment, things will return to normal.
Some of the more common side effects of steroid treatments include:

• increased appetite
• weight gain, often in unfamiliar places, like your cheeks or the back of your neck
• mood swings
• stomach upset or ulcers
• osteoporosis (weaker bones)
• vision problems
• higher blood pressure
• increased blood sugar. Sometimes, people develop diabetes temporarily. If you already have diabetes, you'll need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely.
• for girls, irregular menstruation (missed or late periods)

Less common side effects include bruising more easily, difficulty fighting infections, acne flare-ups, and increased facial hair.
If you develop several of these symptoms, you have a condition called Cushing syndrome. Sometimes it gets better if you make changes in the way you take the steroids. If you're having problems with these side effects, talk to your doctor.
Remember, you may not have any side effects. If you do, you'll probably find that they're overshadowed by the benefits of the treatment. But check with your doctor about ways to make them easier to live with.

Remedy Against Melanoma Found In Immunity

American scientists have developed a new method to treat melanoma which was successfully tested on mice.

What melanoma is
Melanoma is a cancerous growth on the skin that is developed from pigment cells containing melanin. Externally melanoma resembles a usual mole, however, there exist particular signs that help to define  cancerous growth. Unlike mole, cancerous growth is a non-symmetric formation with irregular edges and its diameter is more than 5mm. In some cases inoffensive mole which did not show itself for years  may turn into melanoma.

Signs that mole turns into melanoma:

• size increase
• color change
• reshaping
• itching
• ulceration
• bleeding

Major factor leading to melanoma development is action of ultraviolet irradiation.

What are the dangers of melanoma?
Major danger of melanoma is that even small tumors give metastasis into all organs and tissues of the body. The process of metastasis formation presents spreading of cancerous cells via lymphatic and blood vessels. When cancerous cells get into healthy organs and tissues they start multiplying which significantly aggravates treatment and the prognosis for treatment.

History of the research
Watching the mice which had no genes responding for production of special type of immune cells – T helper 17 cells., scientists found that in those mice melanoma was not developed. Thus appeared a hypothesis that blocking of signal path of T helper 17 cells would help to stop tumor growth. Besides this, scientists found that in mice bodies was presented a specific substance called interleukine that is formed under the action of other immune cells – T helper 9 cells.

Essence of the research
The research was performed on mice in which scientists modeled melanoma. As a treatment, scientists injected T helper 9 cells in mice. It turned out that immune therapy helps to slow down tumor growth. Besides this, scientists discovered that in a healthy man T helper 9 cells are found in blood and skin while in melanoma this type of immune system cells is absent or is found in small amounts.

Results of the research
Today is actively developed a new method of cancer treatment called immune therapy. Results of the latest study tell about success of usage drugs stimulating immune system in patients with melanoma. Scientists hope that data obtained will help to perform new studies to evaluate the role of T helper 9 cells in cancer treatment.

Vitamins To Maintain Immunity

Nutrition is directly related to immunity. Specific nutrients play particular role in immunity change. Here are some recommendations on taking vitamins and minerals which help to maintain immunity at any age.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A strengthens superficial layer of skin preventing fissure formation through which microbes may enter the body. This vitamin also prevents development of cancerous growths which is connected with stimulatory effects on white blood cells. However, overmuch vitamin A may be toxic for the body. It is better to get daily rate of vitamin A from food than from special drugs. It is recommended to consume 1000 micrograms of it daily For example, a half of new potato contains double daily rate of vitamin A. Also you may find vitamin A in liver, carrot, spinach, cauliflower, lettuce, apricots and watermelon.

Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene transforms into vitamin A in human body. This antloxidant helps to fight free radicals and intensifies capabilities of immune system to fight cancerous diseases. Just as vitamin A, beta-carotine may be found in carrot, spinach, cauliflower and lettuce. Unlike vitamin A, beta-carotene is not toxic and it may be taken as an supplement to foods. It is recommended to take 6 – 9 mg of beta-carotine daily.

Vitamin B6
When older people consume food with low rate of vitamin B6, their immunity becomes much weaker. Dose increase helps to restore immunity to a normal level. It is necessary to consume more than 1.5 mg of vitamin B6 daily.

In order to get 2 mg of vitamin B6 you should eat big bananas daily. Other sources of vitamin B6 are chicken meat, fish, liver, rice, avocado, walnuts, wheat and sunflower seeds. Large dozes (1000 – 2000 mg daily) of vitamin B6 may be toxic.

Vitamin C

Practically vitamin C provides great aid to each part of immune system. Vitamin C prevents viruses from multiplying, increases attacking drive of cells that fight cancerous diseases. Oranges, strawberries, cauliflower, paprika are perfect sources of vitamin C. Normally it is necessary to consume 500 – 1000 mg of vitamin C daily.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is good for bones strengthening and that is its major function in the body, because immune system cells are developed in bone marrow. The recommended dose of vitamin D is 5 microgrames. One glass of pure milk contains approximately 10 ME, also it may be found in cheese. In human body vitamin D develops under action of sun rays. Ultraviolet accelerates development of vitamin D from a substance in the skin. In summer it is enough to spend 10 - 15 minutes in the sun to get necessary daily doze of vitamin D. Large dozes of vitamin D may be toxic, therefore, health care providers do not recommend it to take it in form of supplemental drugs.