Cancer treatment has evolved significantly, offering a diverse arsenal beyond traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Sai Vivek V., Consultant - Medical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital provides a breakdown of some key modalities:
- Surgical Management: This involves physically removing cancerous tissue through surgery. It's often the preferred approach for early-stage cancers and can be curative (aimed at complete removal). Advancements in minimally invasive techniques have improved patient outcomes and recovery times.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target cancerous cells, destroying them or slowing their growth. Radiation can be curative in some cases or used to shrink tumors before surgery or to alleviate symptoms in advanced stages. Both external beam radiation (directed from a machine) and internal radiation (using radioactive implants) are employed strategically.
- Chemotherapy: This uses powerful drugs delivered intravenously or orally to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. While effective, chemotherapy can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. However, advancements have led to better management of these side effects, and chemotherapy remains a crucial tool in many treatment plans.
- Targeted Therapy: Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy drugs hone in on specific molecular pathways or proteins crucial for cancer cell growth and survival. These drugs offer a more personalized approach with potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: This harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy drugs can boost the immune response or target specific molecules that help cancer cells evade detection. This approach is a rapidly evolving field with promising results in various cancers.
Cancer treatment is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. With advancements in medical science, numerous options exist, allowing for a personalized strategy based on the specific cancer type, stage, and patient's overall health. Understanding these modalities empowers patients to participate actively in their treatment decisions.
To know more, contact Aster Whitefield Hospital at 080-4510 8888.
