What is Cancer Above the Kidney?

Adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce hormones that are critical for maintaining the body's hormone balance. This type of cancer is usually caused by hormone-producing cells and symptoms can include weight loss, excessive sweating, high blood pressure and abdominal pain.

Epidemiology

Adrenal cancer accounts for only %1 of all cancer cases. It is the second most common type of malignant tumor among children. Although it is less common in adults, it can often be difficult to diagnose at an early stage.

Cancer Treatment in Cuba: Overview

Cuba is a country that has developed both traditional and alternative methods of cancer treatment. The health system offers an integrated approach with preventive health services, but also emphasizes innovative treatment methods. One of the cornerstones of the Cuban health system is research and development-based approaches.

Vaccines

Tumor Vaccines

Cuba has an important role in developing tumor vaccines. These vaccines aim to strengthen the immune system against cancer cells.

CimaVax-EGF

CimaVax-EGF is a vaccine developed specifically for lung cancer, but is also potentially used to treat adrenal cancer.

• Mechanism: This vaccine targets epidermal growth factor (EGF) and stimulates the immune system to mount a response against tumor cells. EGF is a protein that promotes the growth of tumor cells.

• Clinical Research: Clinical trials of CimaVax have demonstrated prolonged survival and a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients. Studies on early-stage adrenal cancer patients have shown favorable responses to the vaccine.

Vaxira

Vaxira is a vaccine designed for prostate cancer and other solid tumors.

• Mechanism: It uses antigens specific to tumor cells and targets the immune system to recognize and destroy these cells.

• Mechanism of Action: Studies to examine the effects of Vaxira on adrenal cancer suggest that vaccines can stop tumor growth by boosting the immune response.

Effects of the vaccine

Vaccinations are often used as part of the treatment process. In this context:

• Immune System: Vaccines boost the immune system and help destroy cancer cells.

• Side Effects: Vaccines usually have mild side effects, making the treatment process more tolerable for patients.

Medicines

Localized Medicines

Some indigenous drugs used in cancer treatment in Cuba offer an alternative to treatment methods in developed countries.

Heberferon

Heberferon is an immunotherapy used to treat melanoma.

• Clinical Impacts: Clinical trials have shown positive results in patients with metastatic melanoma, and the effects of this treatment modality on adrenal cancer are also being investigated.

• Mechanism: It works with a combination of interferon alpha and other ingredients to stop the growth of tumor cells.

Egf-C-Drug

This medicine is a compound that inhibits the growth of tumors.

• Impacts: In clinical trials, this medicine has shown efficacy in several types of cancer. Research is also ongoing in rare types such as adrenal cancer.

Targeted Treatment

In Cuba, drugs are being developed that target specific characteristics of cancer cells.

• VEGF Inhibitors: Slow the growth of tumors by blocking their supply to blood vessels. This type of medicine has shown promising results in the treatment of adrenal cancer.

Clinical Research and Developments

Cuba conducts many clinical trials in the field of cancer treatment. These studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of new vaccines and drugs.

Research Processes

• International Collaborations: Health institutions in Cuba are collaborating with other research centers around the world to build larger data sets and improve treatment methods.

• Results: Research continues to improve the efficacy and safety of vaccines and medicines. Studies in patients with early-stage adrenal cancer show the efficacy of treatment protocols.

Conclusion

Vaccines and medicines in Cuba offer innovative and effective options for the treatment of adrenal cancer. Tumor vaccines strengthen the immune system, while local medicines play an important role in the fight against cancer with targeted therapies.