Terapia dirigida para las células cancerígenas

MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: If you have cancer, your doctor may recommend therapy that targets the cancer cells. The body's cells grow and divide as part of the normal cell cycle. The cell nucleus controls this process. Inside each nucleus, genetic material called DNA contains the instructions for directing this process. Sometimes the cell's DNA is damaged. Normally, the DNA responds by repairing itself or instructing the cell to die. However, in cancer, the parts of the cell's DNA that direct cell division are damaged. When these sections are damaged, the DNA cannot repair itself, or the cell dies. Instead, the unrepaired DNA causes the cell to grow and divide uncontrollably into more damaged cells, called cancer cells. A tumor forms as the cancer cells multiply and spread like normal cells. As the tumor grows, it develops its own blood supply. Because cancer cells do not stick together as well as normal cells, they can break away and enter a nearby blood vessel. Cancer cells from blood vessels can travel to other areas of the body and form additional tumors. This is known as metastasis. Other tumors can form in areas such as the lungs, liver, and bones. Another way cancer can spread to other areas of the body is through the lymphatic system. Cancer cells can enter lymphatic vessels near the tumor and then travel to small glands called lymph nodes. If the cells pass through the lymph nodes, they may continue traveling through the lymphatic system and form additional tumors. If you have cancer, your doctor may recommend targeted therapy. Targeted cancer therapy attacks characteristics that all cancer cells share while limiting damage to normal cells. There are two types of targeted therapy. One type includes small-molecule drugs that work inside cancer cells. The other type includes drugs called monoclonal antibodies that work outside cancer cells. These therapies work in one of four ways. Some block the signals cancer cells use to create new cancer cells. Others release toxic substances that kill or damage cancer cells. Some therapies stimulate immune system cells to destroy cancer cells. Others block the growth of new blood vessels around cancer cells, depriving them of the nutrients they need to grow. Depending on the medication your doctor recommends, you may receive oral medication, an injection, or an intravenous infusion. If you receive an intravenous infusion, a needle will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. A bag containing the medication will be placed near you with a tube connecting the bag to the needle. The medication will drip slowly through the tube into the needle and then into your bloodstream. When you have received a dose of the medication, the needle will be removed. After receiving targeted therapy, your doctor will monitor your vital signs to ensure there are no side effects. You will return home the same day. ANH12079es