Local treatments include surgery and radiation therapy, targeting a specific tumor.
The treatment approach will be chosen with your goals in mind.
Laser surgery entails the use of high-energy radio waves to treat cancer.
AMELIE-BENOIST /BSIP / Getty Images
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapyrefers to the use of chemicals (medications) to rid the body of cancer cells.
These drugs work by interfering with the reproduction and multiplication of rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells.
In contrast, chemotherapy is less effective for slow-growing, or “indolent” tumors.
Most often, chemotherapy drugs are used in combinationsomething termedcombination chemotherapy.
Individual cancer cells are all at different points in the process of reproducing and dividing.
As with other cancer treatments, radiation therapy is used for different reasons and with different goals.
Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies are medications that are designed to target cancer cells specifically.
As such, they are often less harmful to normal cells.
There are four primary ways in which these targeted therapies work against cancer.
They may:
Targeted therapies differ from chemotherapy in a few important ways.
Many of the small molecule drugs are metabolized by the liver and can cause inflammation of that organ.
Sometimes a protein is present in normal cells as well.
For example, a protein known as EGFR is over-expressed in some cancers.
EGFR is also expressed by some skin cells and digestive tract cells.
In this way, hormones act like gasoline on a fire to fuel the growth of these cancers.
Hormone treatmentsalso called endocrine therapyblock this stimulating effect of the hormones to stop the growth of a cancer.
But surgery may also be used as a hormonal therapy, too.
“For example, pneumonitis refers to an inflammation of the lungs related to these drugs.
These drugs were approved because they were found superior to the best treatments available at the time.
For example, OTC pain relievers would be the first choice before prescription pain medications.
Some products will also not be advised during radiation or chemotherapy as they may increase side effects.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your nutritional needs during your treatments.
Most oncologists recommend getting the nutrients you need primarily through food sources and not supplements.
Simply going for a walk, swimming, or taking an easy bike ride will help.
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Many cancer centers provide integrative therapies for cancer.
They can share their experience with various treatments.
Most importantly, hang on to hope.
Cancer treatmentsand survival ratesare improving.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the cancer and the stage at which it’s treated.
Researchers have not discovered a treatment approach that can cure all of the many types andstagesof cancer.
Aclinical trialcan be a game-changer for someone whose current treatment is not as effective as hoped.
They may be able to guide you toward a trial that fits your situation.
It matches patients to potential trials based on their cancer bang out, age, and zip code.
National Cancer Institute.Surgery for cancer.
Hamilton (ON): BC Decker; 2003.
West J, Newton P.Optimizing chemo-scheduling based on tumor growth rates.bioRxiv.
2015;24 Suppl 2:S149-53.
2017;9(9):1003. doi:10.3390/nu9091003
American Cancer Society.Research on wasting syndrome may help lung cancer patients.
Harvie M.Nutritional supplements and cancer: potential benefits and proven harms.Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book.
2022;72(5):409-436. doi:10.3322/caac.21731
National Cancer Institute.Understanding cancer prognosis.
National Cancer Institute.Why participate in a clinical trial?
National Cancer Institute.Selected NCI-supported trials.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Understanding your options and making treatment decisions.
5(12):e009674.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009674
National Cancer Institute.Types of cancer treatment.
