How does surgery help in treating cancer?
Surgery involves the physical removal of cancerous tissue from the body. It is often used when cancer is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body. Surgery can be curative if all cancerous cells are removed, but it may also be used to debulk tumors (reduce their size) or to relieve symptoms.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which inhibits their ability to reproduce and grow. Radiation can be delivered externally via a machine or internally through radioactive substances placed near or in the tumor.
How does chemotherapy work?
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and travel throughout the body. While effective, chemotherapy also affects healthy rapidly dividing cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy leverages the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It includes treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. These strategies work by enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
What are targeted therapies?
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. By targeting these molecules, these therapies can block the growth and spread of cancer while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
How does hormone therapy treat cancer?
Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that rely on hormones to grow, such as breast and prostate cancer. This therapy works by either lowering the levels of hormones in the body or blocking their effects. Drugs like aromatase inhibitors and androgen deprivation therapy are commonly used.
What is a stem cell transplant?
A
stem cell transplant involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This procedure is often used after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The new stem cells help regenerate healthy bone marrow, which can produce new blood cells.
Are there side effects to cancer therapies?
Most cancer therapies have side effects due to their impact on healthy cells. Common side effects include fatigue, pain, nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infections. The severity and type of side effects depend on the specific treatment and individual patient factors.
What are some recent advancements in cancer therapy?
Recent advancements in cancer therapy include the development of
personalized medicine, which tailors treatment to the genetic profile of the individual’s cancer. Additionally, advances in
CRISPR technology for gene editing, the use of liquid biopsies for early detection, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in treatment planning are promising areas of innovation.
How do clinical trials contribute to cancer treatment?
Clinical trials are essential for the development of new cancer treatments. They involve testing new drugs and therapies on patients to determine their safety and efficacy. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to the advancement of cancer care.
