What are the Common Methods for Reducing Tumor Size?
Several strategies are employed to achieve tumor size reduction:
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and can effectively shrink tumors. However, they often come with side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage the DNA of cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their ability to grow and divide. It can be delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy). Radiation is particularly effective for localized tumors.
Targeted Therapy Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. These therapies can be more effective and less toxic. Examples include HER2 inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Immunotherapy Immunotherapy leverages the body's immune system to fight cancer. Types include checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy. These treatments have shown remarkable results in certain types of cancers, such as melanoma and lung cancer.
Surgery In some cases, surgical removal of the tumor is the best option for size reduction. Surgeons aim to excise as much of the tumor as possible, which can sometimes be followed by other therapies to eliminate residual cancer cells.
