New insights into pancreatic cancer: the breakthrough led by Mariano Barbacid’s Spanish research group
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat. Often described as a “silent threat,” it tends to be diagnosed late and progresses with a speed that outpaces many conventional therapies. In the middle of this reality, a scientific development captured global attention: the new findings from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas […]
T4a Gastric Cancer: Is Laparoscopic Surgery Safe? What Patients Should Know
In Costa Rica, many patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer face the need for major surgery as part of their treatment. A common question is whether laparoscopic surgery (a less invasive approach using small incisions) is as safe as the traditional open operation. A recent study published in JAMA Surgery provides clear, evidence-based guidance to […]
Rectal Cancer: Completing the Treatment Cycle With Modern TNT Protocols
In Costa Rica, the management of rectal cancer has advanced significantly thanks to growing scientific evidence and the expertise of specialized centers. One of the most important developments is Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT), a modern approach that combines chemotherapy, Radiation Oncology, and, when necessary, surgery. This strategy aims to improve disease control, increase the chances […]
Lung Cancer: There Is No Time to Lose
Lung cancer is one of the most demanding conditions in Radiation Oncology, and in Costa Rica it continues to rise in clinical relevance. Its biological behavior requires prompt action—every day, from diagnosis to treatment selection, is meaningful. For localized disease, radiotherapy can offer a genuine chance of cure, particularly for patients who are not surgical […]
Prostate Cancer: When Is the Right Time for Radiotherapy?
In Costa Rica, many men diagnosed with prostate cancer wonder when Radiation Oncology becomes part of their care. The timing depends on the disease stage, biopsy findings, and PSA behavior. In general, radiotherapy can serve two major roles: as the primary curative treatment or as an additional therapy after surgery. For men with localized disease […]
Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Role of PARP Inhibitor Maintenance Therapy
In Costa Rica, many women facing advanced ovarian cancer complete surgery and chemotherapy with hope for long-term control. Yet we know this disease has a tendency to return even when treatment works well initially. For this reason, an important additional strategy has emerged: maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors, a group of medications designed to help […]
Breast Cancer: Understanding the Treatment “Path”
In Costa Rica, every woman who receives a breast cancer diagnosis begins a journey that blends science, compassion, and shared decision-making. Although each case is unique, most patients follow a treatment “path” that often includes surgery, systemic therapies, and, in many situations, Radiation Oncology. Understanding how these steps connect helps reduce uncertainty and offers a […]
Head and Neck Cancer: The Urgency of a Coordinated Plan
Head and neck cancer demands swift decisions and a highly synchronized team. In Costa Rica, patients facing this diagnosis require an organized approach in which surgery, chemotherapy, and Radiation Oncology collaborate from the beginning. The reason is simple: the disease may progress quickly and affect essential functions such as speech, swallowing, or breathing. When the […]
Understanding How Cancer Responds to Radiotherapy: What Alpha and Beta Mean
When someone receives radiotherapy, the goal is to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues. However, not all tumors react in the same way to radiation. Some are very sensitive and controlled with small doses, while others need higher or more concentrated doses to achieve the same effect.Researchers from the Academic Medical Center of Amsterdam […]