How Do Mechanical Controls Work in Cancer Treatment?
Mechanical controls leverage physical forces to disrupt cancer cells or tissues. Some of the commonly used mechanical controls include:
Thermal Ablation: Techniques like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation use heat to destroy cancer cells. These methods are minimally invasive and can target tumors precisely. Cryoablation: This technique uses extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells. It is often used for treating prostate, liver, and kidney cancers. Focused Ultrasound: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses sound waves to generate localized heat, leading to the destruction of targeted cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissues. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This method involves the use of light-sensitive drugs that become activated by specific wavelengths of light to destroy cancer cells.
