Cancer Treatment

The treatment of cancer is a multidimensional approach dependent on the type, stage, location, and genetic profile of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and goals. Oncologists often use a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, finding a delicate balance between controlling cancer growth and minimizing impact on healthy tissues. Staying on top of cutting-edge research is vital for oncologists to ensure the most effective treatment plans are used. Beyond medical interventions, oncologists provide crucial emotional support, building relationships to foster better communication and informed decision-making. The dynamic field of oncology requires continual learning and collaboration with a diverse team of healthcare professionals.

Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosing cancer is a complex process encompassing a combination of medical history analysis, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. During the initial appointment, there is a comprehensive discussion about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle factors, and presenting symptoms. Subsequently, a physical examination is done to assess for abnormalities such as lumps or swelling and the patient’s overall health. Laboratory tests such as blood tests are also routinely ordered to assess specific markers that can indicate the presence of cancer and the patient’s overall health.

Depending on the conclusions from the initial appointment, a provider may order imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to visualize internal structures and identify tumor locations. Biopsies can then play a crucial role in confirming the cancer and diagnosing its specific type and characteristics. One example is a sentinel lymph node biopsy; the sentinel lymph node is the first node to receive drainage from a tumor and is considered the most likely to contain cancer cells if they have spread from the primary tumor. This is valuable information to have in cancer staging and formulating a treatment plan.

An oncologist may have molecular and genetic testing ordered to analyze the genetic makeup of the cancer. This can provide information, such as specific mutations, to help give insight into the type of cancer and what treatments could be the most effective. The information as a whole gathered from the various approaches assists oncologists in making an accurate diagnosis and formulating an appropriate individualized treatment plan.

Cancer Treatment

The treatment of cancer is a multidisciplinary approach dependent on the type and stage of cancer as well as the health and goals of the patient. Oncologists often use a combination of treatment modalities, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy.

Surgery

Surgery typically involves the excision of solid tumors with the potential removal of nearby lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may precede surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy inhibits or kills the cancer cell’s growth in the primary location and throughout the body where it might have spread. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or orally and travels through the bloodstream. Chemotherapy is not specific to only cancer cells and affects all actively dividing cells, which can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy beams to target the cancer cells in a specific area, commonly used post-surgery or used when surgery is unfeasible. Radiation can be administered externally or internally, depending on the cancer and its location. Although radiation is more specific than chemotherapy, it can have side effects such as fatigue, skin changes, and localized discomfort.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s own immune system to recognize and target the cancer cells. This approach includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, for example, block proteins that inhibit the immune system’s response, allowing the immune system to target the cancer cells more efficiently.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted Therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival, minimizing damage to normal cells. This is in contrast to chemotherapy, which affects any rapidly dividing cells; targeted therapy specifically modifies the cancer’s molecular processes. These drugs are typically effective against cancers with specific genetic mutations or overexpressed proteins.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone Therapy is specific for cancers that are hormonal (e.g., estrogen or testosterone) sensitive, for example, certain types of breast and prostate cancer. This therapy works by reducing the effects of hormones that contribute to cancer’s growth.

Content provided by: Sierra Sheets