How Does Surgery Help in Treating Cancer?
Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor and, in some cases, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. It is often used when the cancer is localized and hasn't spread to other parts of the body. Surgery can be curative if all cancerous tissue is removed, palliative to alleviate symptoms, or diagnostic to determine the extent of the disease.
What Role Does Chemotherapy Play?
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and often work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancerous and normal cells. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, and it can be curative, adjuvant (post-surgery), neoadjuvant (pre-surgery), or palliative.
How Effective is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally via a machine or internally through radioactive substances placed near the tumor. Radiation therapy can be curative, especially in early-stage cancers, or palliative to relieve symptoms. It is often used in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy involves drugs that specifically target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. These therapies interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. Examples include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors. Targeted therapy is particularly effective for certain types of cancer with specific genetic mutations.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer. This can involve stimulating the immune system to work harder or smarter to attack cancer cells or providing the immune system with components such as man-made immune system proteins. Types of immunotherapy include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy is used for cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as some breast and prostate cancers. It works by blocking the body's ability to produce hormones or by interfering with hormone action. Hormone therapy can slow or stop the growth of hormone-dependent tumors.
What Are the Side Effects of Cancer Treatments?
Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment and the individual. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation, fatigue, and local side effects depending on the treatment area. Surgery may result in pain, infection, and complications related to the removal of tissues. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy can cause immune-related side effects and specific organ toxicities.
How Are Treatment Plans Determined?
A multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists, collaborates to determine the most effective treatment plan. Factors considered include the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the potential side effects. Personalized medicine, which tailors treatment based on genetic information, is increasingly becoming a standard approach.
What is the Role of Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to medical research. Clinical trials follow strict protocols and are conducted in phases to ensure safety and efficacy.
How Important is Follow-Up Care?
Follow-up care is crucial for monitoring for recurrence, managing side effects, and maintaining overall health. Regular follow-up appointments, imaging tests, and blood tests help detect any return of cancer early and address any long-term effects of treatment.
