She doesn't smoke or drink, has a normal schedule, and still has cancer! The 3-year recurrence rate of "head and neck cancer" exceeds 50%. Will "photoimmunotherapy" become the dawn?
Head and neck cancer generally refers to cancers that originate in the head and neck, such as oral cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, etc. Because most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are accompanied by a high probability of recurrence and metastasis, it ranks among the top cancers in Taiwan. Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in men. According to research, local recurrence or metastasis is one of the main causes of death in patients with head and neck cancer. The recurrence rate of early-stage patients is about 20%, while the recurrence rate of late-stage patients is even as high as 50%.
50% of patients with head and neck cancer relapse within 3 years, new local treatment options are emerging
Dr. Lou Peiren, deputy director and otolaryngology department of National Taiwan University Hospital, said that most of the patients are men aged 40 to 60 years old, and the number of diagnosed men is about 10 to 11 times that of women, and may be accompanied by bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol, and betel nut. And after recovery, patients often still need to maintain healthy living habits and stay away from risk factors.
Dr. Yang Muhua, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, also explained that it may be that the wound is in the mouth and he neglects to seek medical treatment, or it may be that he is busy at work and has difficulty seeing a doctor. Clinical observations have found that nearly half of the patients with head and neck cancer seek treatment. Is a terminal patient. In addition, nearly 30% of patients will develop local or distant metastasis, and up to 50% of patients with advanced head and neck cancer will relapse in the original location or local area within 3 years after treatment.
Dr. Lou Peiren said that in the past, treatment options for relapsed patients were limited. Currently, Japan has approved “photoimmunotherapy”, which injects target molecules combined with light-activating dyes, combines with target cells, and then irradiates non-thermal red light for instant activation. Drugs; According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), photoimmunotherapy has the advantages of having few side effects, accurately attacking cancer cells, and treating distant tumors. This therapy has now launched the second phase of clinical trials in Taiwan, and is expected to benefit Taiwanese head and neck cancer patients as soon as possible and provide a new treatment option.
She neither smokes nor drinks, has a stable daily routine, and yet suffered from cancer. After 39 rounds of radiotherapy, she had “this result”
Dr. Lou Peiren revealed that there was a 29-year-old female patient in the clinic. She was only 26 years old when she was diagnosed with tongue cancer. She did not smoke or drink, and had a stable schedule. After treatment, the cancer recurred the next year, so she underwent a larger area of resection and lymphatic clearance. Surgery, flap surgery, and 39 rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. After the operation, her pronunciation was not as good as before, so she gradually closed herself off and even did not dare to face the crowd. Fortunately, with the support and companionship of my family and significant other, I overcame many difficulties and finally bravely broke through my inner shackles and returned to the workplace as a cram school teacher.
Brother Su, another cancer friend, was diagnosed with stage II oral cancer at the age of 55. His engineering environment forced him to smoke and betel nuts. Fortunately, he had the care and understanding of his family after he fell ill, which allowed him to face the follow-up treatment with ease. He survived the 23-hour flap surgery, autologous transplant surgery, electrotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. After recovery, he moved to Miaoli. Run a small farm and enjoy family happiness.
Yang Zhengjie, Chairman of the Head and Neck Care Association of Taiwan, said that the struggles and emotions of head and neck cancer patients along the way are often difficult for others to imagine. Currently, there are various treatment methods for head and neck cancer. When doctors make treatment decisions, they will also consider the preservation of the function of the affected area and the effectiveness of treatment. Patients can make the most appropriate medical decision together with the doctor. The important thing is that patients should face it bravely, receive early treatment, and maintain an optimistic and positive attitude, which can be said to be the key to successful treatment.
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