Surgery Surgery is often the first line of treatment for many types of cancer. It involves the physical removal of the tumor and, in some cases, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Surgical intervention can be curative, palliative, or preventative.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and work by targeting rapidly dividing cells. However, they can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. This treatment can be external, where the radiation is directed from outside the body, or internal, where radioactive materials are placed inside the body near the cancer cells.
Immunotherapy Immunotherapy leverages the body's immune system to fight cancer. This can include treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and vaccines designed to boost the immune response against cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules and pathways that are crucial for cancer cell survival and growth. These therapies aim to interfere with these specific targets, minimizing damage to normal cells.
Hormone Therapy Hormone therapy is used primarily for cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body's ability to produce hormones or by interfering with hormone action.
