The Gulf journal of oncology
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The use of modern immunotherapy has been evolving over the past few years, and various new agents have been developed for new indications at multiple primary sites in oncology. It is important for physicians who are involved in cancer care to be aware and updated about new therapeutic agents and their indications, potential benefits, and side effects. ⋯ There was a high level of awareness and an overall positive attitude toward modern cancer immunotherapy among oncologists in the Arabian Gulf countries, but there was a limited experience in prescribing cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Efficacy, clear indications, and good safety profile were perceived as key potential benefits, whereas cost, lack of experience, and lack of access to specific testing prior to prescription were the major barriers. Patients were likely to be receptive to modern immunotherapy as a therapeutic option for cancer treatment. Long-term efficacy data, financial support programs, and educational activities for prescribers may increase the access to modern immunotherapy.
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Pain is the most common symptoms in patients with cancer, a significant number of cases it is undiagnosed and under treated. It is important to understand the nature of the pain experienced by patients, to distinguish between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Successful management of cancer pain requires a good knowledge of the causes of pain and various treatment available and information to manage their side effects. Pain has a significant negative impact on the patient and his family, therefore it needs to be managed urgently and appropriately.
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Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm with a spectrum spanning from localized to disseminated forms, plasma cell infiltration of various organs, plasma cell leukemia and abnormal immunoglobulin chain deposition in the tissues. In the bone marrow, myeloma cells are seen, and vary from mature forms to immature pleomorphic, anaplastic cells. M component is found in the serum or urine in 99% of the patients. ⋯ The percentage incidence of Multiple Myeloma, out of all hematological malignancies reported in our study is comparable with other studies as regards to the median age of incidence, male to female ratio, clinical presentation and percentage of M band positivity. However, a higher percentage of our patients had hypercalcemia, higher Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase levels and C -Reactive protein positivity and more lytic lesions. This corresponds with a higher tumor cell burden and a more frequent diffuse pattern of bone marrow involvement in our study group. This could be due to the smaller size of our study group, or due to late referral of patients to our tertiary care hospital.
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Idiopathic Ibn Sina, popularly known in the west as Avicenna;(980-1037 A. D.) was one of the foremost physicians and Islamic philosophers of his time. ⋯ It described some of the most illuminating medical thoughts that are relevant to modern medicine. In this article, we pay tribute to this great medieval Arab physician by providing a brief overview of his life and works, with special reference to his contribution to the advancement of medical science.