Cancer Relapses as Stage 4 in 50-YO Man; Columbia Asia Doctors Apply Nobel-winning Therapy to Arrest Spread

·         Anil was diagnosed with kidney cancer 4 years ago that was treated by removal of an organ.

·         The cancer relapsed as a stage 4 diseases 2 years later despite medication and spread to lungs and bones.

·         Immunotherapy, that received Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2018, was used to treat Anil. The method harnesses body’s natural defence against disease-causing agents and targets them to kill the cancer cells.

·         Anil is now symptom free and has returned to work, and the therapy has enabled a near complete regression of disease, something that is extremely difficult at that stage of cancer.

Pune 06.02.2020: 50-year-old Anil has lost all hopes of living when the cancer that took his kidney reached stage 4 and spread to his lungs and bones. However, doctors at the Columbia Asia hospital here introduced immunotherapy to treat the disease and successfully stalled any further progress; in fact, Anil's latest CT scan done last month shows complete regression of the disease.

“Anil was detected with kidney cancer 4 years ago due to which the affected kidney was removed and he was put on oral medicines. However, after 2 years of medication, his cancer relapsed and in a much severe form – it reached stage 4 and affected his lungs and bones. He lost any hope of living but we introduced immunotherapy to treat his condition – immunotherapy harnesses body’s natural defence against disease-causing agents and targets them to kill the cancer cells. The results are stupendous – not only did it allow Anil to become symptom free and return to work, it has enabled a near complete regression of disease, something that is extremely difficult at that stage of cancer. The novel therapy received the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2018 and is rapidly gaining traction in cancer treatment across the world. Columbia Asia Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Pune to utilise this method of treatment and we are encouraged by the results,” says Dr. Reshma Puranik Consultant Medical Oncologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune

Immunotherapy drugs stimulate the immune system to help the body attack cancer cells. Dr Reshma Puranik, Medical oncologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune says, “Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy does not kill healthy cells and so the side effects are minimum. Immunotherapy is now being used to treat a large variety of cancers like those of lungs, kidneys ,melanoma (skin cancer),neck, and brain.”

“Immunotherapy is now approved for blood cancers such as Hodgkins lymphoma; however, the high cost is a major factor that is preventing these drugs from reaching the masses. It boosts the natural tumor-fighting abilities of the immune system, flags cancer-affected cells for destruction, and programs DNA to detect and fight cancer,” says Dr Sweta Lunkad, consultant Haematologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune.

“Also, it cannot be recommended blindly to all patients. Careful selection of patients who would benefit from immunotherapy is very important,” says Dr. Amit Bhatt, Medical Oncologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune.

How to deal with hair loss caused by cancer

Cancer comes with a lot of concerns on the sidelines, varying in the degree of distress perhaps. Hair loss is one such related distressing side effect. The probability of facing hair loss is high if you have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy. With due intervention, in most cases, you can have your hair back. A very small fraction of people who undergo chemotherapy, may not be able to regrow their hair. This is due to some specific drugs that increase the risk of permanent hair loss. It is not cancer in itself that causes hair loss, but the chemotherapy or radiation therapy and accompanying medications that lead to this situation.

What does chemotherapy actually do? 

The drugs used in the therapy are very powerful formulations that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. However, what happens on the sidelines, unfortunately, is that these drugs also attack other healthy cells in your body — including those in your hair follicles. And it’s not just the follicles on your scalp, but also in other parts of your body – eyelash, eyebrows, armpit, pubic and other regions. Hair thus falls out.

Hair loss could be one of the side effects of such therapy, that you may face. Usually, hair may start falling out 10 to 14 days after you start your treatment. It then continues through the course of your treatment and for a few weeks afterwards as well. You will notice, hair thinning, hair fall and perhaps scalp tenderness as well.

Effect of Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy on Hair

Both radiation therapy and chemotherapy can affect your hair. Radiotherapy concentrates on a specific region for treatment. Its side effects, too pertain mostly to a particular region, unlike chemotherapy. If you have radiation near your head, you are most likely to lose hair on the head.

The amount of hair loss and its regrowth will depend on the treatment. Different types of radiation and different dosages will have different effects on your hair, with very high doses that may even lead to permanent hair loss. As regards chemotherapy in most cases it is temporary hair loss.

Dr. Apoorva Shah, Founder of RichFeel and Pioneer of Trichology in India shares some advice on how to tackle hair loss caused due to cancer.

Hair loss cannot be prevented completely in such circumstances, but can surely be managed.

·         Pick a hair care regimen, in consultation with your hair doctor, that would help maintain and promote hair growth.

·         Stay away from commercially sold shampoos that are strong and contain chemicals for fragrance, alcohol, or salicylic acid. Use prescribed hair care products only, as guided by your Trichologist.

·         Stay away from using styling equipment and products. No perming or straightening for a while.

·         Avoid hair colouring. Hair colours contain peroxide, ammonia, forms of lacquer, and other chemicals that can irritate the scalp and damage the hair.

·         Do not use hot rollers or straighteners, or any such equipment that applies heat on the hair shaft.

·         Use a soft-bristled hairbrush and comb gently.

·         Towel and air-dry your hair after a wash. Avoid blow dryers.

·         Go for a shorter hairstyle for a few months. Shorter hair won’t lie flat on your scalp and will give a fuller look.

·         Do not wear tight headgear or wear your hair in any tight manner that can put a strain on the hair follicles. Hair shouldn’t be tugged.

·         Do consider going in for customisable hair systems. Not wigs. Your hair doctor and a professional stylist can help you get one that will suit you and your lifestyle best.

·         Make the best of your look! Don’t let your tresses stress you out, making matters worse! Leave your hair worries to your Trichologist and rebuild your confidence & life!

How can a Trichologist help?

Your Trichologist is the most important person for your hair needs especially when you are out of your cancer treatment. Be it any hair and scalp related concern that has been triggered by your entire experience with the disease, the Trichologist is the right person to approach, to draw a clear diagnosis and guide with a way forward.

At RichFeel, we have pledged to help cancer patients get their confidence back. Through the Look Good Feel Better and Drop the Scarf programs, RichFeel enriches the lives of the cancer patients, providing newfound confidence, while recognizing those who have supported them all the way. Through these initiatives, free external application for patients who have undergone chemotherapy and free hair systems for patients who have undergone radiotherapy is given.