Cancer Studies > Cancer Basic > Cancer Treatment Methods

Cancer Treatment MethodsThere are five standard methods for treating cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and biological therapy. Clinical trials may be an option for some as the treatment of cancer studies that meet certain criteria. Others may choose alternative cancer treatments, which usually are not approved by the FDA and often given in locations outside the U.S.

When first diagnosed with cancer, a cancer specialist, an oncologist, will provide you with the options for the treatment of cancer. He or she will recommend the best treatment plan based on your type of cancer, how far it has spread, and other important factors such as your age and general health.

Ultimately, you who make your treatment decisions based on recommendations from your doctor, second opinions and other information may be collected from qualified professionals.

The methods of treating cancer

  1. Surgery
    Surgery can be used for prevention, treatment phase (determining how advanced the cancer is), and the cancer diagnosis. With regard to the treatment of cancer, surgery is done to remove tumors or as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. It is often performed in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.For those who do not treat cancer, palliative surgery may be an option for the pain can be caused by the cancer burden. Palliative surgery is not intended to treat or cure the cancer, or even prolong life healing, but more to reduce discomfort.
  2. Chemotherapy
    Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to eliminate cancer cells. Unlike surgery, chemotherapy affects the entire body, not just one specific part. It works by targeting rapidly multiplying cancer cells. Unfortunately, other types of cells in our body also multiply at high rates, such as hair follicle cells and the cells that our stomachs. This is why chemo side effects, such as hair loss and can cause stomach problems.Chemotherapy is usually given by pill or intravenously (IV), but can be given in other ways. A single type of chemotherapy or a combination of drugs can be prescribed for a specific period. Like surgery, chemotherapy alone may be prescribed in combination with radiotherapy or biological therapy.
  3. Radiation Therapy
    Radiation therapy uses certain types of energy to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. It works by damaging the DNA of a cancer cell, making it unable to multiply. Cancer cells are very sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Nearby healthy cells can also be damaged, but are resilient and are able to fully recover.Radiation therapy can be given along with chemotherapy and/or with surgery. The decision to combine with other forms of radiotherapy treatment depends on the stage of cancer and other factors.
  4. Biological or targeted therapies
    Biological therapy is a term for drugs targeting characteristics of tumors. Some types of targeted therapies work by blocking the biological processes that allow cancer tumors to thrive and grow. Other forms of therapies cutting the blood supply to the tumor, so they basically starve and die from a lack of blood.Targeted therapy is used in certain types of cancer and is not available to everyone. It is given in combination with other cancer treatments.
  5. Clinical Trials
    Research studies of the latest drugs and therapies for many types of cancer are continuously performed. This type of research requires human volunteers to test the safety and efficacy of new therapies. Volunteers must meet the criteria of each study to participate.

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