Alkaline phosphatase (ALP or FA, by its initials in Spanish) is an enzyme found in various tissues of the body, especially in the liver, bones, intestine, kidneys, and placenta. Its function is related to dephosphorylation processes, that is, the removal of phosphate groups from various molecules, which is important for cellular metabolism and bone mineralization.
The measurement of alkaline phosphatase in blood is mainly used to assess liver and bone function. In the hepatic context, an increase in ALP may indicate bile duct obstruction or cholestasis, especially if accompanied by an increase in GGT. In the skeletal system, elevated levels may reflect increased osteoblastic activity, as occurs in bone diseases (Paget's disease, rickets, osteomalacia, healing fractures) or during growth in children and adolescents (where higher levels may be normal). Therefore, when interpreting ALP, it is important to consider age, clinical context, and other complementary tests.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase), also known as GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase), is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. Its primary function is to assist in the metabolism of amino acids, specifically in the conversion of alanine into pyruvate. Unlike AST, ALT is much more localized in the liver, making it a more specific marker of liver damage.
The measurement of ALT/GPT in a blood test is mainly used to assess liver function and detect liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, or drug-induced liver damage. Elevated levels of ALT usually indicate injury to liver cells, as the enzyme is released into the bloodstream when these cells are damaged. Due to its specificity, ALT is a key tool for monitoring and diagnosing liver conditions, especially when evaluated alongside other parameters such as AST.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase), also known as GOT (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase), is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, but also in other tissues such as the heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain. This enzyme is involved in amino acid metabolism, helping to transform one into another by transferring amino groups. When the cells of these organs are damaged, they release AST into the blood, so its presence at elevated levels can be a sign of injury or disease in any of these tissues.
AST/GOT measurement in a blood test is commonly used to assess liver health, especially in combination with other liver enzymes such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase). Although elevated AST may indicate liver damage, it is not specific to the liver, so it can also increase in situations such as a heart attack, muscle diseases, or after intense physical exertion. Therefore, it is always interpreted along with other tests and the patient's clinical context.
ATOZET is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolaemia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezetimibe/atorvastatin
Bevacizumab (commercially known as Avastin) is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an antiangiogenic agentâthat is, it inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. When used as a complement to the FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen (which combines 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), it can improve treatment efficacy in certain types of cancer, especially in metastatic colorectal cancer.
Bevacizumab blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), reducing the tumorâs blood supply, which can:
Side effects to be aware of:
FOLFOX + Bevacizumab:
Brain radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in the brain. It is used to treat both primary brain tumors and brain metastases. Depending on the case, it can be administered through conventional methods, such as external beam radiotherapy or whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), or through highly precise techniques like stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). SRS delivers very high doses of radiation to targeted areas while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Thanks to technological advancements, radiation dose and precision can now be finely adjusted, reducing side effectsâsuch as fatigue, hair loss, and skin changesâand improving patientsâ quality of life.
Authorative references:
A CT scan, or Computed Axial Tomography, is an imaging diagnostic technique that uses X-rays to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. Unlike a conventional X-ray, the CT scan takes multiple images from different angles, which are then processed by a computer to create cross-sectional views of the examined area. These images allow for precise observation of organs, bones, blood vessels, and other tissues, facilitating the detection of diseases, injuries, or structural abnormalities.
This type of study is widely used in medicine to evaluate various conditions such as trauma, tumors, infections, or vascular diseases. It is a quick and non-invasive procedure, although it involves moderate exposure to radiation. In some cases, a contrast agent is administered to improve the visibility of certain structures or bodily fluids.
Elastomeric pumps, also called balloon pumps or ball pumps, are usually used in the medical field to administer liquid drugs. The required pressure for administering the drug comes from the elastomeric layer that is molded inside the pump. When the pump is filled, the layer is stretched. The elastic constriction drives the liquid through the tubing and eventually through a flow restrictor out into the patient connection.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastomeric_pump
The FOLFOX regimen is a chemotherapy treatment commonly used for managing colon cancer. It consists of a combination of three drugs:
Oxaliplatin: A platinum-based agent that directly damages the DNA of cancer cells.
Fluorouracil (5-FU): An antimetabolite that disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis, preventing cell proliferation.
Leucovorin (folinic acid): Enhances the effects of 5-FU, increasing its effectiveness against tumor cells. This treatment is administered in cycles and serves two main purposes:
Adjuvant therapy: Given after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Neoadjuvant or metastatic disease treatment: Used before surgery to shrink tumors or to control the disease when it has already spread.
While FOLFOX is effective in improving survival rates and reducing recurrence, it can also cause side effects such as neuropathy (due to oxaliplatin), nausea, vomiting, and bone marrow suppression, among others. Its use and dosage are carefully adjusted based on the patientâs overall condition and the specific characteristics of the tumor.
Authorative references:
GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) is an enzyme found in various organs of the body, but it is especially concentrated in the liver, as well as in the bile ducts and pancreas. Its main function is related to glutathione metabolism and the transport of amino acids across cell membranes. It is a very sensitive enzyme to changes in the hepatobiliary system, making it a useful marker in the diagnosis of certain diseases.
GGT measurement in blood is primarily used to assess liver or biliary problems, especially when bile duct obstruction, cholestasis, or excessive alcohol consumption is suspected. It is also helpful in determining whether an elevation in other liver enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), is due to a liver-related cause. GGT can be elevated in chronic liver diseases, pancreatitis, and due to the use of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants. Additionally, its increase is often seen in individuals who consume alcohol excessively, even before clinically evident liver damage occurs.
It contains a form of vitamin D, calcifediol, which is used to treat vitamin deficiency and the problems that arise from it. Vitamin D plays a role in the human body, among other actions, by increasing calcium absorption.
https://www.ndrugs.com/?s=hidroferol
The active substance in Jardiance, empagliflozin, blocks the action of a protein in the kidneys called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). As blood is filtered by the kidneys, SGLT2 stops the kidneys passing glucose from the blood into the urine. Patients with diabetes have high levels of glucose in the blood. By blocking the action of SGLT2, empagliflozin causes the kidneys to pass more glucose into the urine, thereby reducing the levels of glucose in the blood.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/jardiance
Segments of the small intestine formed by the jejunum and ileum, which are arranged in loops or coils within the abdominal cavity. They are responsible for nutrient absorption and are characterized by their mobility and tubular appearance.
Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive method that allows the analysis of molecular biomarkers from circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) obtained from the patient's peripheral blood or other biological fluids. Due to the suboptimal sensitivity of liquid biopsy studies, a result of Mutation Not Detected should not be considered sufficient evidence to exclude a targeted treatment, and confirmation through a tumor tissue biopsy is necessary.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed images of the inside of the body. Unlike X-rays or computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe option for many people, even for repeated studies. It is especially useful for visualizing soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, joints, and internal organs.
During the procedure, the patient lies on a table that slides into a cylindrical tube. It is essential to remain still to obtain clear images. In some cases, a contrast agent is administered to enhance the visibility of certain structures or lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging is a key tool in modern medicine due to its ability to detect a wide range of conditions with great accuracy and without invasive intervention.
Serous membrane that lines the inner walls of the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and the outer surface of most abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum). Its main function is to protect, support, and allow the movement of the organs within the abdomen, as well as to serve as a pathway for blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.
Total bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in old red blood cells. This bilirubin travels through the bloodstream in two forms: unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct). Unconjugated bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it is transformed (conjugated) so it can be eliminated through bile into the intestine.
The measurement of total bilirubin (which includes both direct and indirect bilirubin) is used to assess liver function, as well as to investigate disorders in the production or elimination of bilirubin. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, or Gilbertâs syndrome (a benign disorder of bilirubin metabolism). It can also rise in cases of hemolysis, when there is accelerated destruction of red blood cells. Clinically, its accumulation may present as jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes.