Cancer Chemotherapy Case Study 2022

Running head: CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY 1
Cancer Chemotherapy
Students Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Cancer Chemotherapy
Introduction
Breast cancer is the second leading cancer in women globally, with over two million cases in
twenty eighteen. In spite of the fact that breast cancer is believed to occur more in developed
countries, about 50% of breast cancer and 60% mortality cases have been reported in less
developed countries (Anderson, 2018, p. 2221-2243). Breast cancer has been linked to DNA
damage which affects cell cycle growth. Individuals whose cancer has metastised to other body
organs, the recommended intervention is chemotherapy. Cancer chemotherapy is a
pharmacologic intervention that uses drugs to destroy cancerous cells and prevent them from
multiplying. The objectives of this study is to critically discuss cancer chemotherapy. The
assignment will focus on two key areas; the etiology and pathogenesis of breast cancer, diagnosis
and its medical management.
Pathophysiology
Breast cancer affects breast cells and is manifested as a malignant tumor. Several factors have
been linked to the risk of getting breast cancer. The causative factors include genetic mutation
and damaged DNA. Inherited defects of the DNA such as P53, BRCA1 increases the risk of an
individual getting cancer (Page, 2016, p. 3-4). DNA damage is caused by exposure to toxins such
as alcohol and cigarette smoke. A majority of cells in the body, if the DNA is damaged, the cell
either repairs itself, or apoptosis takes place (Page, 2016, p. 3-4). In cancerous cells, there is no
repair to the damaged DNA, this result to multiplication of defective cells. Disturbed growth
leads to formation of tumors which later metastasize and invade tissue if not intervened early.

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Diagnosis
The current tests used in the diagnosis of breast cancer include imaging tests and biopsy.
Imaging tests are done to show pictures of internal body organs. Diagnostic mammography is an
imaging test done to confirm breast cancer for an individual exhibiting signs of breast cancer
such as nipple discharge or lump.
Biopsy is another test that can be used to determine if the cancer is present. Fine needle
aspiration is an example of biopsy used which involves removal of a small tissue for
investigation. Tumor investigation is used to check if the cancer is in situ or it has metastised to
other body organs.
Medical management
Breast cancer is treated based on size, stage and grade. Chemotherapy is recommended to an
individual whose cancer has a high risk of returning or metastasizing to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy can act by either shrinking the tumor or prevent the cancer from metastasizing.
Chemotherapy agents used in treating breast cancer include cisplastin and retinoids.
Cisplastin
Cisplastin is primarily used to treat breast cancer. It’s mainly used to treat individuals with
locally advanced breast cancer, primary and secondary breast cancer.
Disadvantages
Everybody responds differently to drugs and some individual experience adverse effects than
the others. The disadvantages of cisplastin include the following;