The goal of cancer treatment is to eliminate cancer cells, control disease spread, and improve the quality of life for patients. Treatment strategies are typically individualized based on the type of cancer, stage, and overall health of the patient. Modern medicine combines various treatment modalities, continuously enhancing treatment efficacy and survival rates through precision medicine and personalized therapies.
The treatment process may involve core methods such as surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, along with supportive therapies to alleviate symptoms. Patients and the medical team must jointly assess risks and benefits, develop a phased treatment plan, and regularly monitor treatment responses.
Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage cancer, directly removing tumor tissue through surgical techniques. Depending on the tumor's location and size, it can be categorized into curative surgery (such as breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer), organ resection (such as segmental resection for colorectal cancer), and lymph node dissection. Recent developments in minimally invasive surgery (such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery) can reduce trauma and recovery time.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is often combined before and after surgery, forming a "neoadjuvant therapy" strategy. For example, in breast cancer treatment, chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery, increasing the success rate of the operation. Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, or organ dysfunction, which must be evaluated by a specialist.
Radiation therapy uses high doses of ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cell DNA, inhibiting their division. It is applicable for shrinking tumors pre-surgery, eliminating residual cancer cells post-surgery, or serving as the primary treatment for patients unsuitable for surgery. Common forms include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy (such as seed implantation).
New technologies like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) can precisely target tumors, reducing damage to surrounding normal tissues. Side effects of treatment may include skin redness, fatigue, or temporary organ dysfunction, which can be alleviated through medication or nursing care.
Chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cancer cells using anticancer drugs, commonly employed as systemic therapy. Medications can be administered intravenously or orally, particularly effective for hematologic cancers (such as leukemia) or metastatic cancers. Common drug types include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, and plant alkaloids, but they may cause side effects such as nausea and decreased immunity.
Targeted therapy focuses on unique genes or proteins in cancer cells, minimizing damage to normal cells. For instance, patients with BRAF gene mutations in melanoma can use Vemurafenib. Immunotherapy works by blocking tumor immune evasion mechanisms, such as CTLA-4 or PD-1 inhibitors, showing significant progress in lung and kidney cancer treatments in recent years.
Radioisotope therapy (such as iodine-131 for thyroid cancer) or targeted radioactive drugs precisely act on tumors in conjunction with molecular markers. This method enhances local treatment effectiveness while reducing systemic side effects.
Hyperthermia combined with radiation or chemotherapy can enhance cancer cells' sensitivity to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses specific light to activate photosensitizers, selectively destroying tumor tissue, commonly used in skin cancer and early respiratory tumor treatments.
Nutritional support is a crucial adjunct to treatment, as patients may experience loss of appetite or malabsorption due to treatment side effects. Nutritionists design high-protein diets or nutritional supplements and monitor nutritional status. For example, patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck may need to adjust food textures to avoid swallowing difficulties.
Gene therapy techniques modify cancer cell DNA or enhance anti-tumor immune responses, such as using CRISPR technology to repair tumor suppressor gene defects. CAR-T cell therapy in cell therapy has been successfully applied to blood cancers and may expand to solid tumor treatments in the future.
Liquid biopsy technology allows for non-invasive tracking of treatment responses by detecting tumor DNA through blood tests. The application of artificial intelligence in treatment planning and side effect prediction also helps improve the precision of personalized medicine.
When a diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, patients should promptly discuss treatment options with an oncologist. If severe side effects occur during treatment (such as persistent vomiting or abnormal drops in blood cell counts), timely follow-up is necessary for assessment. Patients interested in emerging therapies or clinical trials can inquire about eligibility and potential risks through their medical team.
If new symptoms arise during the follow-up period after treatment (such as unexplained weight loss or local recurrence), immediate medical evaluation is essential. Physicians will provide a second opinion or refer to specialized centers for complex treatments based on cancer staging and genetic characteristics.
Chemotherapy may cause nausea and fatigue, and physicians typically prescribe anti-nausea medications to control symptoms. Patients can try eating small, frequent meals, choosing easily digestible foods, and maintaining moderate activity to promote energy. Discussing fatigue management plans with the medical team, such as adjusting treatment intervals or incorporating complementary therapies (like light exercise), can also effectively improve daily discomfort.
How does immunotherapy work in cancer treatment? Is it suitable for all patients?Immunotherapy activates the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, showing good effects especially for certain gene mutations or specific types of cancer (such as melanoma and lung cancer). However, it is not suitable for all patients; assessment of tumor characteristics and the patient's immune system status through biomarker testing is necessary to determine eligibility for this therapy.
What specific dietary adjustments are recommended for recovery during cancer treatment?During treatment, a high-protein, high-nutrient-density diet is recommended, including quality proteins (fish, soy products), dark vegetables, and whole grains, to maintain weight and immunity. Avoiding raw foods and ingredients with poor hygiene can reduce infection risks. If treatment causes taste abnormalities, consulting a nutritionist to create a personalized diet plan is advisable.
How can the risk of recurrence be reduced after cancer treatment?Regular follow-up checks (such as imaging scans and blood tests) after treatment are crucial for early detection of recurrence signs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, controlling weight, exercising regularly, and following the physician's recommendations for preventive therapies (like hormone therapy or targeted drugs), can effectively reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Can acupuncture be used as a complementary therapy for cancer treatment?Acupuncture has research support for alleviating nausea, pain, and insomnia caused by chemotherapy, and some hospitals offer integrative medical services. However, it is essential to choose qualified practitioners and communicate treatment plans with the primary physician to avoid interactions between herbal ingredients and chemotherapy drugs. Its primary role is to improve quality of life rather than replace primary treatment.
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