How does surgery treat cancer?
Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor and, in some cases, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. It is most effective for localized cancers that have not spread. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as
laparoscopic surgery and
robotic surgery, have improved recovery times and outcomes for many patients.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or proton beams, to destroy or damage cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment or in conjunction with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.
External beam radiation and
brachytherapy are two common forms of radiation therapy, with the former targeting cancer from outside the body and the latter placing radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor.
How does chemotherapy work?
Chemotherapy utilizes drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other methods, and they circulate throughout the body, making chemotherapy effective for metastatic cancers. However, because chemotherapy also affects normal, fast-dividing cells, it can cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy leverages the body's own immune system to fight cancer. This can include treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, which help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, and CAR T-cell therapy, which involves modifying a patient's T cells to better target cancer. Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating cancers that were previously difficult to manage.
How do targeted therapies differ from traditional treatments?
Targeted therapy involves drugs or other substances that specifically target cancer-specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy aims to minimize damage to normal cells. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
What role does hormone therapy play in cancer treatment?
Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancers. It involves blocking the body's natural hormones that fuel cancer growth or lowering hormone levels. Treatments may include medications that inhibit hormone production or surgery to remove hormone-producing organs, such as the ovaries or testes.
What is a stem cell transplant?
A
stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This treatment is commonly used for blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Patients may receive their own stem cells (autologous transplant) or cells from a donor (allogeneic transplant).
Are there any emerging treatments in cancer therapy?
Yes, emerging treatments include
gene therapy, which involves modifying genetic material to fight cancer, and oncolytic virus therapy, which uses viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. Additionally, advancements in precision medicine and personalized treatment approaches are allowing for more tailored and effective cancer therapies.
How do doctors decide which treatment to use?
The choice of treatment depends on multiple factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the potential side effects of the treatment. Multidisciplinary teams of healthcare providers work together to develop individualized treatment plans that offer the best possible outcomes for patients.
