Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) is a potentially life-threatening infection that can occur in individuals who are immunocompromised. In PCP steroid use is still recommended especially in patients with moderate and severe severity. Corticosteroids are given along with anti-pneumocystis therapy and are known to reduce the incidence of mortality and respiratory failure associated with PCP. Innate immunity and adaptive immunity are symbiotic relationships to provide optimal defense for the lungs and other organs and tissues from infection PCP. The corticosteroid mechanism in PCP is based on an anti-inflammatory mechanism especially its role in inhibiting neutrophils. Many clinicians believe the administration of anti-pneumocystis causes the acceleration of inflammation. Because the inflammatory process increases when anti-pneumocystis therapy is started, corticosteroid therapy is useful before inflammation occurs which causes extensive damage to the lungs.
Tumor angiogenesis, a process in which blood vessels penetrate and grow in a tumor environment, is needed for oxygen and nutrient supply and plays an important role in the survival of solid neoplasms. Angiogenesis does not only have a role in tumor development and metastasis, but also acts as marker of cancer itself (hallmark of cancer). Several mechanisms of angiogenesis include vasculogenesis, sprouting angiogenesis, intussusception microgrowth, and vasculogenic mimicry. Knowing these different mechanisms will be helpful in choosing the best agents or drugs for cancer therapy. The first anti-angiogenic drug used was bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody, directed against VEGF. Bevacizumab has significant clinical benefits in patients with advanced NSCLC.
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