March 16, 2001, Newsletter Issue #24: Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Tip of the Week

ANGIOGENESIS INHIBITORS

One promising avenue of cancer research is the study of a group of compounds called angiogenesis inhibitors. These are drugs that block angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels. Solid tumors cannot grow beyond the size of a pinhead (1 to 2 cubic millimeters) without inducing the formation of new blood vessels to supply the nutritional needs of the tumor. By blocking the development of new blood vessels, researchers are hoping to cut off the tumor`s supply of oxygen and nutrients, and therefore its continued growth and spread to other parts of the body.


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BONUS TIP: HAIR LOSS WITH CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION TREATMENTS
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Hair loss from chemotherapy treatment occurs for a very simple reason: hair follicles are weakened by chemotherapy which causes your hair to fall out much more quickly than it would normally. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, hair loss may start anywhere from seven to 21 days after treatment begins. Your hair will start to grow back when you are finished with chemotherapy but it may take six to 12 months to grow back completely. It may even have a different texture -- for example, curly hair can grow back straight and dark hair can become lighter. These changes are usually not permanent.

Radiation to the head or scalp, however, can cause permanent hair loss. Depending on where radiation is directed, you may also experience hair loss on your legs, arms, underarms, pubic area, chest, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

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