What Are the Challenges in Monitoring Cancer Progression?
Monitoring progression poses several challenges:
1. False Positives/Negatives: Imaging and blood tests can sometimes yield inaccurate results, leading to unnecessary anxiety or missed diagnoses. 2. Radiation Exposure: Frequent imaging, particularly with CT scans, can expose patients to significant levels of radiation. 3. Biopsy Risks: Repeated biopsies can be invasive and carry risks such as infection and bleeding. 4. Cost: Comprehensive monitoring can be expensive, especially if advanced techniques like molecular imaging are used. 5. Access: Not all patients have access to the latest monitoring technologies or expert oncologists.
