Belgian actress Emily Dequen, who is known for her award -winning role in Rosetta, died tragically on Sunday at the age of 43. His family and agent confirmed the AFP that he was struggling with the adrenoocortic carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive cancer, which diagnose Herr in October 2023.

Understanding adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malicious malaise that is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, which sit on top of each kidney. These glands produce vital hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone and androgen, which regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function. The ACC is aggressive and is often diagnosed late, which causes the survival rate to deteriorate.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the ACC occurs in about 1 to 2 people per million each year, making it an extraordinary rare condition.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms of ACC vary, depending on whether the tumor is functional (hormone-productive) or non-functional. Common symptoms include:

Hormonal imbalance: Cortisol overproduction can lead to cushing syndrome, which can lead to rapid weight gain, high blood pressure and muscle weakness. Additional androgen may result in abnormal hair growth and menstrual irregularities.

Abdominal pain: As the tumor increases, it can cause stomach or back pain or discomfort.

Unexplain: Sudden, unexplained weight loss is an important warning signal of aggressive cancer.

Due to its rarity, ACC is often diagnosed in an advanced stage. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the initial identity remains a major challenge due to the touching nature of the tumor in the early stages.

Treatment option

Treatment for ACC depends on the stage of diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. The main treatment approaches include:

Surgical streak: If diagnosed early, surgery provides the best chance of survival to remove the tumor. However, because ACC is often aggressive, it can be difficult to achieve complete removal.

Mitoten Therapy: Mitoten is an adrenolitic drug that is used to suppress adrenal gland activity and targeted cancer cells especially for ACC. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends mitoten as the first row treatment for patients with uncontrolled or metastatic ACC.

Chemotherapy and radiation: In advanced cases, chemotherapy may be required with drugs such as atopocide, doxorubicin and sisplatin, which is often paired with mitoten. Radiation is sometimes used for localized control.

Dr., an expert in adrenal cancer at the University of Michigan. Gary Hammer explains the importance of specialized treatment: “ACC is a rare and complex disease that requires a multi -radical approach, ideally in specialized cancer centers.”

Forecast and ongoing research

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorder (Nord), pregnancy for ACC remains poor, with a five -year survival rate from 20 percent to 35 percent. The result depends largely on the platform in diagnosis and whether the tumor can be removed from surgery.

Researchers are discovering genetic mutations in ACC to develop targeted treatments. Recent studies published in Lancet Oncology suggest that immunotherapy and molecular-targeted treatment can provide new hope for ACC patients in future.

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