Oncology: Practical guides on cancer treatment, side effects, and daily care

Cancer care isn’t only about chemo and scans — it’s about daily choices that keep you safer and more comfortable. Here we focus on clear, practical advice you can use today: how treatments affect your body, what to watch for, and smart questions to ask your team. If you’re a patient or caregiver, these posts are meant to make complex topics easier and more useful.

What you’ll find on this page

We cover real-world problems people face during cancer treatment. For example, oral health often gets overlooked even though it matters a lot. Our piece "Dental Care's Role in Multiple Myeloma" explains why dental checks matter before transplants, how to manage dry mouth and infections, and when to safe-proof dental procedures around low blood counts. That article gives actionable steps: schedule a dental exam before starting certain therapies, use alcohol-free mouthwash, tell your dentist about current meds, and avoid invasive dental work during neutropenia.

On the treatment side, targeted drugs work great — until they don’t. Our article "Anastrozole and Drug Resistance: The Latest Research and Developments" breaks down why some breast cancers stop responding to aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole. You’ll learn what resistance looks like (tumor growth despite therapy), which tests doctors may order (tumor biopsy or genomic tests), and current strategies to manage resistance: switching hormone agents, adding CDK4/6 inhibitors, or enrolling in trials for newer targeted drugs. That post explains the options clearly so you can discuss them with your oncologist.

Practical tips you can use

Start with small, concrete steps. Keep a treatment notebook with drug names, doses, and side effects — bring it to appointments. Ask your team whether vaccines, dental work, or supplements are safe given your blood counts. If you notice new symptoms (mouth sores, sudden fatigue, new lumps, or steady weight loss), report them promptly — early action often prevents bigger problems.

Think about coordination: cancer care often involves oncologists, dentists, pharmacists, and primary doctors. Share up-to-date medication lists with each provider. If you’re facing drug resistance, ask about genomic testing and clinical trials — many centers offer options beyond standard care. And for caregivers: small routines (hydration checks, medication reminders, oral care after meals) make a big difference in comfort and outcomes.

Want to read more? Start with the two featured posts above for focused guidance on oral health in multiple myeloma and the latest on anastrozole resistance. If you have a topic you want explained simply, tell us — we’ll prioritize clear, useful content that helps you make better decisions every day.

Dental Care's Role in Multiple Myeloma
Mar 12 2025 Charlie Hemphrey

Dental Care's Role in Multiple Myeloma

Dental care is crucial for patients with multiple myeloma due to their increased vulnerability to oral infections and complications. Understanding the specific oral health challenges faced by these patients can aid in maintaining their overall health. From managing medication side effects to regular dental check-ups, there's a lot involved in ensuring optimal oral health. This article delves into the connection between multiple myeloma and dental health, offering practical tips for patients and caregivers. Stay informed and proactive in managing oral health alongside cancer treatment.

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Anastrozole and Drug Resistance: The Latest Research and Developments
May 15 2023 Ryan Gregory

Anastrozole and Drug Resistance: The Latest Research and Developments

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the study of Anastrozole and drug resistance. Anastrozole is an effective treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but unfortunately, some patients develop resistance over time. The latest research has been focusing on understanding the mechanisms behind this resistance, in order to improve treatment outcomes. Some promising findings include the identification of specific genetic mutations and cellular pathways that may contribute to resistance. As a result, researchers are now working on developing new therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of Anastrozole.

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