Understanding Cancer Treatments
There are many types of cancer treatments available today. The kind of treatment you receive depends on the specific type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people undergo only one form of treatment, while most receive a combination of therapies. Below, we explain the most common treatments for cancer.
Surgery
Surgical oncology involves an operation or procedure to remove a tumor, often along with some surrounding tissue. It is the oldest form of cancer treatment and remains highly effective for many types of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Doctors administer chemotherapy (chemo) using anti-cancer drugs either intravenously (through a vein) or orally. These drugs travel through the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells throughout the body.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Doctors commonly use radiation at lower doses for medical imaging, such as X-rays of bones or dental exams.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It strengthens or modifies immune function to help the body identify and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Targeted Therapy
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to focus on specific molecular targets that cancer cells need to survive and spread. These treatments work in various ways:
- Blocking signals that promote cancer cell growth and division
- Preventing blood vessel formation in tumors
- Delivering substances that destroy cancer cells
- Inhibiting hormones that fuel cancer growth
- Directly attacking cancer cells or enhancing the immune system’s response
Most targeted therapies involve small-molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies. This approach is known as molecularly targeted, precision, or selective treatment.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy involves adding, blocking, or removing hormones. While some hormones are essential for conditions like diabetes or menopause, others stimulate the growth of cancers such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. Hormone therapy works by:
- Firstly, using synthetic hormones or medications to block the body’s natural hormones
- Secondly, Slowing or stopping cancer growth
- Thirdly, Surgically removing hormone-producing glands in some cases
This therapy is also known as endocrine therapy, hormonal therapy, or hormone treatment.
Stem Cell Transplants
Stem cell transplants restore blood-forming stem cells in individuals whose cells have been destroyed by high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy used to treat certain cancers. This procedure can help the body regenerate healthy blood cells and strengthen the immune system.
Clinical Trials: A Potential Option
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments and therapies in human participants. Understanding clinical trials and how they work can help you decide whether participating in one is the right choice.
Making the Right Decision
When facing cancer treatment, there is a lot to learn and consider. It is expected to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. However, discussing your options with your doctor and educating yourself about available treatments, including clinical trials, can help you make an informed decision that feels right for you.
Interested in Advanced Cancer Therapies?
Finally, learn how stem cell therapy revolutionizes cancer treatment in our article: Stem Cells for Cancer Treatment
Understanding Cancer Treatments
