A variety of treatment options are available, each with its own set of benefits and limitations:
1. Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary curative approach for localized cancers. It is most effective when the cancer has not spread beyond its original site.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is often used in conjunction with other treatments. It can be curative in certain cancers like acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
3. Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to improve curative outcomes.
4. Immunotherapy: This newer form of treatment harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It has shown promising results in cancers such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.
5. Targeted Therapy: These treatments target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread. They are particularly effective in cancers with known genetic mutations, such as certain types of breast cancer.
