Aurora magazine

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare cancer affecting the lymphatic system. It affects mainly young people between 20 and 30 years and the elderly over 70 years. It has an incidence of 5% of the total cases of cancer diagnosed and affects mainly men.

Those most at risk are those with a family history of illness, but environmental factors also play a role. Those infected with infectious mononucleosis, for example, are more at risk than the average. The same applies to those who suffer from autoimmune diseases and those who are following therapies with anti-rejection drugs.

There are two macro categories of cancer: Hodgkin's lymphoma predominantly nodular lymphocytic, 5% of cases; classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, 95% of cases. The classic variant presents sub-types in turn:

Nodular sclerosis: mainly affects young adults and includes 60% of cases;
Lymphocytic predominance: it includes only 5-10% of cases;
Mixed cellularity: affects older people and includes 15-30% of cases;
A lymphocyte depletion: it is the least common with only 1% of cases and typical of the elderly.

Because it affects the lymphatic system, Hodgkin's lymphoma may appear in several organs, although it often originates in the upper body. In fact, the swollen lymph nodes in the cervical region are the most frequent. The enlargement itself can be linked to a large number of causes, so by itself it is not very indicative. Buy more weight if accompanied by constant fever, night sweats, weight loss, widespread itching.

In the presence of symptoms, the physician's task is to analyze the clinical history of the subject and the family. The analysis of the symptoms follows and, if necessary, further in-depth examinations. Among these there is also the biopsy of the lymph nodes, to identify any cancer cells. In the event that the outcome is positive, we will continue with radiographs and resonances to verify the extent of the tumor.

Treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma depends largely on the type of disease and the age of the patient. It is largely controlled by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In case of relapse, stem cell transplantation may be necessary.

Source: airc.it

Some inherited abnormalities of the immune system are linked to a greater risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is revealed by a study by the Institute of Cancer Research in London.

The study analyzes data from over 5,300 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma and 16,749 from a control group. To date it is the most extensive study concerning specifically Hodgkin's lymphoma. It then opens up a series of interesting perspectives for the treatment and prevention of the disease. In fact, there is a need for new therapies that act where standard treatments fail.

Scientists have identified 6 new genetic variations that increase the risk of developing the tumor. It seems that 5 of these also affect the functions of the immune system, in particular the development of B lymphocytes. Among these, 3 have already been associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects the B lymphocytes, the most affected by the anomalies identified. The study also identified genetic differences between two types of lymphoma, the nodular and the mixed cellularity

According to the researchers, the results do not indicate that those suffering from autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop lymphoma. Rather, they allow a better understanding of both lymphoma and autoimmune diseases from a genetic point of view. They will also allow to improve the diagnosis and to develop specific treatments for the different types of cancer.

Source: icr.ac.uk

There are few guidelines on the type of approach to be followed in the case of genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. A team of experts has decided to remedy the problems. Researchers at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) at Thomas Jefferson University made a series of recommendations.

More and more studies prove the existence of genetic hereditary factors underlying prostate cancer. Genetic tests can provide men and their families with the information they need to prevent this risk. Furthermore, if the disease occurs, they are a guide to identify the best treatments.

It is estimated that about 10-15% of prostate cancer cases have a hereditary basis. Some of the genetic anomalies that cause the tumor have been identified and can be identified by genetic testing. This is why, in case of suspected familiarity, it is important to request ad hoc genetic counseling. Urologists, family doctors and oncologists, however, are the first to give all the necessary information about it. This necessitates guidelines, so as to provide all the guidance patients need.

The guidelines aim to provide increasingly precise consultations, so as to deal with difficult situations. The results of genetic tests for prostate cancer risk, in fact, can affect entire families. A possible hereditary knowledge of prostate cancer affects not only those who take the test, but also their children, siblings and parents.

The SKCC initiative has involved over 70 experts including urologists, geneticists and oncologists. These included gynecologists and breast cancer experts, as well as bioethics scientists. Together they have drawn up the following recommendations:

• Urologists are often the first to diagnose prostate cancer. It would be their task to dig into the patient's history, identifying any tumors in the maternal and paternal family. Not only the cases of prostate cancer, but also those in the breast, ovaries and others could be linked to a genetic predisposition. This could help other family members to develop prevention strategies.
• It is important to disseminate more information on genetic testing. In particular, individuals at risk of genetic predisposition should be informed.
• The genetic tests on the market today test the variants of 10-14 genes specific for prostate cancer risk. From a clinical point of view, it is better to dwell on certain subsets of genes. For example, BRCA test results are clinically relevant: many men with prostate cancer show abnormalities in these genes. In the presence of these mutations, the tumor behaves differently.

Source: jefferson.edu

According to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV and AIDS have negative repercussions on male and female fertility. The factor is added to the risk of transmission from mother to fetus, which is between 15% and 45%. With a specific treatment during pregnancy and lactation, however, the risk falls below 5%.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has given birth to many HIV positive children. Before this, in fact, conception involved a high risk of transmission of the disease both to the partner and to the child. Complications during pregnancy were also frequent, even if not strictly related to the virus. Today these problems can be avoided, but HIV positive women may have fertility problems.

It is common for the infection to be linked to an abnormal cycle, if not for the complete absence of menstruation. Furthermore, HIV positive women suffer from a series of side problems that lower their chances of conceiving. Many of these have problems related to stress or depression, a weaker immune system.

HIV also affects the quality of the sperm. Anyone who is positive for the virus may have testicular inflammation and insufficient testosterone levels. Stress and depression can also cause problems related to the sexual sphere, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.

To address any fertility problems, both psychological and medical consultations are useful. Assisted fertilization can help deal with the most physical difficulties related to HIV. Both in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination have given excellent results in this regard. A psychological consultation, however, is a support for those who have difficulty living with the virus.

Source: timesnownews.com