RESUMO
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority consisting of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Genetic mutations present an opportunity for targeted therapy, in addition to current mainstay treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Overall, 5% of NSCLCs have an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation, often prevalent in a younger population. Crizotinib is an ALK inhibitor that was approved to treat ALK-mutated advanced NSCLC. While common side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea are mostly well tolerated, adverse side effects can lead to treatment discontinuation or adjustment or can be fatal. This systematic review used articles searched on Google Scholar and PubMed which were assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This yielded nine papers consisting of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Side effects resulting in cessation of treatment or dose reduction included liver dysfunction, nausea, neutropenia, and QT prolongation. This review showed that crizotinib has a better side effect profile than chemotherapy in ALK-positive NSCLC, even though toxicities leading to treatment withdrawal are present. Adverse effects were tackled by dose reduction, temporary withdrawal from treatment, and close monitoring.
RESUMO
This article discusses the power of meditation and how beneficial it is for the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown many positive brain changes and improved several brain functions. Meditation has several benefits improving the immune system and inflammatory processes by decreasing cytokine; appropriate telomere shortening also has helped healthy aging. Regarding physical health, meditation has been beneficial in various multi-factorial diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and fibromyalgia. It has also helped bring down blood cholesterol levels and increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. Improvement was also seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Mental health is another aspect influenced by meditation, as positive emotion brought about by meditation helps address various mental problems like social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Overall, it seems to have some impact in all health areas. However, the magnitude of its effect is not known. More diverse and detailed studies should yield more beneficial clinical outcomes.
RESUMO
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women besides basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. The current systemic therapy guidelines for this heterogeneous disease are mainly based on the molecular subtypes. However, more research is required to improve rates of therapy resistance and prevent side effects. Previous studies have shown that the human gut microbiota may have an important role in carcinogenesis as well as therapy outcomes, but this factor has not yet been integrated into therapy protocols. This systematic review aims to analyze how response rates and side effect profiles of breast cancer systemic therapies may be affected by the gastrointestinal microbiota. A literature search was performed using multiple databases and keywords related to gastrointestinal microbiota, breast cancer, and anticancer drugs. Studies were excluded if they primarily focused on diseases other than breast cancer. Abstracts, reviews, meta-analyses, and animal experiments were also excluded. After screening, nine studies met all selection criteria and included a total of 566 participants. Most studies described the impact of the gut microbiota on therapy response, but a few additionally discussed chemotherapy side effects, probiotics, or antibiotics. In general, diversity and specific microbiota were linked to chemotherapy response as well as prognosis. Microbiota diversity was also predictive of side effects such as neurological symptoms, weight gain, and constipation. The diversity and composition of gastrointestinal microbiota may serve as biomarkers and provide pathways for the optimization of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.