How does surgery work as a cancer treatment?
Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor from the body. It is often used when cancer is localized and hasn't spread to other parts. Surgical options can vary from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive operations. The goal is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible while preserving the function of the affected organ.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be delivered externally, using a machine outside the body, or internally, by placing radioactive substances near cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments to increase its effectiveness.
Can you explain chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a common characteristic of cancer cells. However, it can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy enhances the body's immune system to fight cancer. It includes treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, which help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, and CAR-T cell therapy, where a patient's T cells are modified to better target cancer. Immunotherapy is particularly effective in cancers like melanoma and certain types of lung cancer.
How does targeted therapy differ from chemotherapy?
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims at cancer cells with fewer effects on normal cells. It includes drugs designed to interfere with specific genes or proteins that support cancer growth.
What role does hormone therapy play in cancer treatment?
Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that rely on hormones to grow, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body's ability to produce hormones or by interfering with the action of hormones on cancer cells. This treatment can slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.
What is a stem cell transplant, and when is it used?
A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This is often used after high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The new stem cells help restore the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells.
Are there any emerging cancer treatments?
Emerging treatments include precision medicine, which tailors treatment based on the genetic makeup of the cancer, and new immunotherapies like cancer vaccines and oncolytic virus therapy. Research is ongoing to develop more effective and less harmful treatments.
What factors determine the choice of cancer treatment?
The choice of treatment depends on multiple factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, potential side effects, and the likelihood of successful treatment. Treatment plans are often personalized and may involve a combination of therapies to achieve the best outcome.
How important is the multidisciplinary approach in cancer treatment?
A multidisciplinary approach involves a team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists, working together to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan. This approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's condition are considered, leading to more effective and coordinated care.
