Cancer and Oncology Research (CPD Accredited)

Cancer Epidemiology is the study of distribution, determinants, and frequency of malignant diseases in specific populations. The main objective is to define the factors causing cancer and preventive strategies to control the disease.

This type of cancer which occurs in the female reproductive organs. Gynecologic Cancer start in different places in women pelvis, the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones. The type of Gynecologic Cancers is cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, Fallopian Tube Cancer. Fallopian Tube Cancer is a very rare type of cancer.

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. It’s named by colon cancer or rectal cancer, where they start depending in colon cancer and rectal cancer are repeatedly grouped together because they have many features in common. When cells in the body cancer will start to grow out of control. It nearly any part of the body can become cancer and can spread to other areas of the body.

Skin Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the outer most layer of the skin caused by unpaired DNA damage, that trigger mutations, which appear like a lump or discolor the patch of the skin. The mutation leads the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form tumors. The common skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Skin cancer develops in the area of the body that is regularly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun such as the nose, neck, arms, legs, lips, chest, scalp, face etc.

It is the type of organ related cancer which mainly occurs in tissues of the breast. The most common types of breast cancers are Ductal Carcinoma Insitu (DCIS) and Invasive Carcinoma. Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Among these Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the worst breast cancer. Breast cancer mainly starts in the gland cells in the lobules. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in females than in males. It can occur at any age but in adults mostly it occurs over the age of 50.

Cancer is a hereditary disease. Changes in genes that control how cells grow and multiply cause it. Cells are the fundamental building blocks of your body. Each cell has a duplicate of your genes, which serves as an instruction manual. Cancer is a genetic disease in which tumor cells differ from their normal progenitors due to genetic changes affecting growth-regulatory genes. There are two types of cancer genes: oncogenes (which act as positive growth regulators) and tumor suppressor genes (which act as negative growth regulators).

Head and Neck cancer is a type of cancer which is used to describe the various malignant tumors that occur in or around the head and neck parts such as Nose, Larynx, Mouth, Throat, Sinus. Types of head and neck cancers are Nasal cavity, Paranasal sinus Cancer, Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer, Salivary Gland Cancer, Laryngeal and Hypo Pharyngeal Cancer, Thyroid cancer, Eye cancer, Brain Tumor, Esophageal Cancer, Sarcoma, Parathyroid Cancer. The most common cause of Head and Neck Cancer are due to tobacco and alcohol use.

Most blood cancers, also known as hematologic cancers, begin in the bone marrow, where blood is produced. Blood cancers develop when abnormal blood cells begin to proliferate uncontrollably, interfering with the function of normal blood cells, which fight infection and produce new blood cells. There are three main types of blood cancers: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. Symptoms of blood cancer can include fatigue, weakness, fever, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Genitourinary cancer refers to cancers affecting the urinary system and the male and female reproductive organs. This includes common types such as prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers in men, and cervical, ovarian, and urethral cancers in women. Risk factors vary by cancer type but may include genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. Early detection and advances in treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, are crucial for improving patient outcomes in genitourinary cancers.

Childhood cancer refers to cancers that occur in children, typically affecting individuals aged 0 to 19 years. The most common types include leukemia, brain tumors, and neuroblastoma. While childhood cancers are rare compared to adult cancers, they often require specialized treatment approaches and can significantly impact a child’s development and quality of life. Advances in treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, have improved survival rates, but ongoing research is essential to enhance outcomes and address long-term effects.

Gastrointestinal cancer encompasses cancers that affect the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, and rectum. Common types include colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Risk factors vary and may include diet, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Early detection and advancements in treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, are essential for improving patient outcomes.

It is a type of cancer which occurs in bone or in the soft tissues in the body, including cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, and fibrous tissues. The most common types of sarcomas are Osteosarcoma, Fibrosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Dermatofibrosarcoma, Pleomorphic sarcoma. Pleomorphic sarcoma is the rarest, but it is a very dangerous sarcoma caused due to the exposure of harmful chemicals and radiation.

Cancer Biomarkers are found in the body in which the area is affected with cancer. A cancer biomarker refers to a substance or process that represents the presence of cancer in the body. Biomarkers are the molecules that may be secreted by an infected cell or specific response of the body which represents cancer.

Cancer immunotherapy is a type of treatment that stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer. The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating abnormal cells, including cancer cells. However, cancer cells can sometimes evade detection by the immune system or suppress its activity. Immunotherapy aims to overcome these obstacles and enhance the body's natural ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Certain infections can lead to cancer by causing chronic inflammation, immune suppression, or directly altering cell genetics. Viruses like HPV and Hepatitis B and C are linked to cervical and liver cancers, respectively, while Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HIV increase the risk of lymphomas. Helicobacter pylori bacteria can contribute to gastric cancer, and parasites like Schistosoma haematobium are associated with bladder cancer. Vaccinations, treating infections, and regular screenings are essential strategies to help prevent cancers caused by these infectious agents.

Cancer immunotherapy is a treatment approach that harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It includes various strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines, which enhance the immune response against tumors. By targeting specific pathways or modifying immune cells, immunotherapy aims to improve treatment outcomes and provide durable responses in various cancer types.

Cancer nanotechnology is a part of nanotechnology which deals with various techniques, equipment’s also known as Nanomaterials to the analysis and treatment of cancer. It is the branch of nanotechnology that uses Nanoscience and Nano vectors to cure or stop cancer cells and their growth.

Cancer prevention is any action taken to minimize the chance of developing cancer. This can include leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances, and using cancer-prevention medications or vaccines.

Cancer Metastasis is the process by which a tumor cell leaves the primary tumor, moves to a distant site through a circulatory system and produces a second tumor. Three major steps are in cancer metastasis they are invasion, circulation, colonization.

Cancer genetics and epigenetics study how genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications drive cancer. Genetic changes, like mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, alter cell behavior, leading to uncontrolled growth. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone changes, affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences, potentially silencing tumor-suppressing genes or activating oncogenes. Together, these insights help identify biomarkers for early detection and personalized treatments, with therapies now targeting both genetic mutations and epigenetic changes to improve cancer outcomes.

Cancer diagnosis and staging involve a systematic process to identify the presence of cancer and determine its extent in the body. Diagnosis typically includes imaging tests, biopsies, and blood tests to confirm cancer and assess its type. Staging, often classified using the TNM system (Tumor, Node, Metastasis), evaluates the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs. Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and predicting patient outcomes.

The main purpose of pediatric oncology is to treat cancers and genetic tumor predisposition syndrome in infants, children, and teenagers. Doctors in pediatric oncology are specially trained to care for children and keep them comfortable during the treatment. The most common childhood cancers are lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, bone cancer, etc., children with cancer typically respond for better treatments such as chemotherapy. which use strong medicine to kill cancer cells.

Radiation has been an effective tool for treating cancer for more than 100 years. 60% of the patients diagnosed with cancer will receive radiation therapy as a part of their treatment. Radiation oncology is the specialty of medicine that uses radiation energy for treating usually malignant disease and occasionally benign disease. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA within the cancer cells and destroying their ability to reproduce.

The study of cancer, which relates to the central nervous system, includes Brain and Spinal Card neoplasms and Brain Stem Tumors such as Malignant Brain Cancers, etc. Cancers in the nervous system may occur as primary tumors, secondary tumors or metastatic tumors that occur due to cancer that has spread from another region of the body.

Thoracic oncology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in the chest region, primarily lung cancer, but also includes tumors of the pleura, mediastinum, and chest wall. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is often categorized into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Risk factors include smoking, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions. Advances in imaging, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are enhancing early detection and treatment outcomes in thoracic oncology.

Psychosocial oncology focuses on the emotional, psychological, and social challenges faced by individuals affected by cancer. It addresses mental health, coping strategies, and support needs of patients and families, aiming to improve quality of life and overall well-being throughout the cancer journey.

Molecular cancer biology explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer, focusing on how genetic mutations, signaling pathways, and interactions within the tumor microenvironment contribute to cancer growth and spread. It examines the role of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and regulatory pathways, such as those involving cell cycle control and apoptosis, in tumor initiation and progression. By understanding these molecular processes, researchers aim to develop targeted therapies that disrupt cancer-specific pathways, leading to more effective and personalized cancer treatments.

Tumor markers and signatures are molecules that help detect, monitor, and classify cancers. They include proteins, genes, or other patterns unique to certain cancers, like PSA in prostate cancer or HER2 in breast cancer. These biomarkers guide diagnosis and personalized treatment, enhancing precision in cancer care.

Hematologic malignancies are cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. They disrupt normal blood cell production and function, leading to symptoms like fatigue and increased infections. Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplantation.

Translational oncology bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice, focusing on translating scientific discoveries into effective cancer treatments. This field emphasizes the application of genetic, molecular, and cellular findings to develop new diagnostic tools, therapies, and personalized medicine approaches. By integrating research with patient care, translational oncology aims to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the understanding of cancer biology.