Anticancer
Cancer therapy, also known as oncology treatment, encompasses a wide range of medical approaches used to treat cancer. The choice of therapy depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Here’s a brief overview of the main types of cancer therapies:
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Chemotherapy – Involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can be taken orally or injected and are systemic treatments, meaning they affect the entire body.
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Immunotherapy – This treatment boosts or restores the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. It includes treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
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Hormone Therapy – Used primarily in cancers that are sensitive to hormones, like breast and prostate cancer. This therapy blocks the body’s ability to produce hormones or interferes with how hormones behave in the body.
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Targeted Therapy – Involves drugs that target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. These drugs can block the growth and spread of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
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Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant – Used primarily for blood-related cancers like leukemia. This procedure replaces the diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow.
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Precision Medicine – A newer approach where treatments are tailored based on the genetic changes in the patient’s cancer cells.
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Palliative Care – Focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress of cancer. It’s not curative but works alongside other cancer treatments to improve quality of life.