The goal of cancer treatment is to eliminate cancer cells, control disease progression, and improve patients' quality of life. Treatment strategies are usually personalized based on the type of cancer, stage, and overall health status of the patient. Modern medicine combines multiple treatment modalities, utilizing precision medicine and personalized therapies to continually enhance treatment efficacy and survival rates.
The treatment process may involve core methods such as surgery, medication, and radiation therapy, complemented by supportive therapies to alleviate symptoms. Patients and healthcare teams need to collaboratively assess risks and benefits, develop phased treatment plans, and regularly monitor treatment responses.
Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage cancers, directly removing tumor tissue through external techniques. Depending on the tumor’s location and size, it can be classified into curative surgery (such as breast-conserving surgery), organ resection (such as segmental bowel resection for colon cancer), and lymph node dissection. Recent developments in minimally invasive surgery (such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery) can reduce trauma and recovery time.
Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy before or after the procedure, forming a "neoadjuvant" or "adjuvant" treatment strategy. For example, in breast cancer treatment, chemotherapy is used to shrink tumors prior to surgery, increasing the success rate. Risks associated with surgery include bleeding, infection, or organ dysfunction, and should be evaluated by specialists to determine patient suitability.
Radiation therapy uses high-dose ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their division. It is suitable for tumor shrinkage before surgery, removal of residual cancer cells post-surgery, or as the main treatment for patients who are not candidates for surgery. Common forms include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy (such as seed implantation).
Advanced techniques like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) allow precise targeting of tumors, reducing damage to surrounding normal tissues. Side effects may include skin redness, fatigue, or temporary organ dysfunction, which can be alleviated with medications or supportive care.
Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, often used as systemic therapy. Drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and are particularly effective for hematologic cancers (such as leukemia) or metastatic cancers. Common drug classes include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, and plant alkaloids, but they may cause side effects like nausea and immune suppression.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genes or proteins unique to cancer cells, reducing damage to normal cells. For example, Vemurafenib is used for melanoma with BRAF mutations. Immunotherapy works by blocking tumor immune evasion mechanisms, such as CTLA-4 or PD-1 inhibitors, and has achieved significant progress in treating lung and kidney cancers in recent years.
Radioisotope therapy (such as I-131 for thyroid cancer) or targeted radiopharmaceuticals combine molecular markers to deliver precise radiation to tumors. This method enhances local treatment effects while reducing systemic side effects.
Hyperthermia, which involves heating tissues, combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, can increase cancer cell sensitivity to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses specific light to activate photosensitizers, selectively destroying tumor tissue, commonly used for skin cancers and early respiratory tumors.
Nutrition support is a vital adjunct to treatment, as side effects may cause loss of appetite or poor absorption. Nutritionists may design high-protein diets or supplements and monitor nutritional status. For example, patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy need to modify food textures to prevent swallowing difficulties.
Gene therapy techniques, such as CRISPR, aim to modify cancer cell DNA or enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Cell therapies like CAR-T have been successfully applied to hematologic malignancies and may expand to solid tumors in the future.
Liquid biopsy technology allows non-invasive monitoring of tumor DNA through blood tests, enabling early detection of recurrence. Artificial intelligence applications in treatment planning and side effect prediction also contribute to more precise personalized medicine.
Once a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, patients should immediately discuss treatment options with an oncologist. If severe side effects occur during treatment (such as persistent vomiting or abnormal blood counts), prompt re-evaluation is necessary. Patients interested in emerging therapies or clinical trials should consult their healthcare team to understand eligibility and potential risks.
During follow-up, if new symptoms arise (such as unexplained weight loss or local recurrence), patients should seek medical attention promptly. Physicians will provide second opinions or referrals to specialized centers for complex treatments based on cancer staging and genetic features.
Chemotherapy may cause nausea and fatigue. Doctors usually prescribe anti-nausea medications to control symptoms. Patients can try eating small, frequent meals, choosing easily digestible foods, and maintaining moderate activity to boost stamina. Discussing fatigue management plans with the healthcare team, such as adjusting treatment intervals or incorporating supportive therapies like light exercise, can also help improve daily comfort.
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, especially effective for certain genetic mutations or specific cancer types (such as melanoma and lung cancer). However, not all patients are suitable; biomarker testing is necessary to evaluate tumor characteristics and immune status to determine eligibility for this therapy.
What specific dietary adjustments are recommended during cancer treatment for recovery?It is recommended to follow a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet, including quality proteins (fish, soy products), dark vegetables, and whole grains to maintain weight and immunity. Avoid raw foods and poorly hygienic ingredients to reduce infection risk. If taste alterations occur due to treatment, consulting a nutritionist for personalized dietary plans is advised.
How can recurrence be minimized after cancer treatment?Regular follow-up examinations (such as imaging scans and blood tests) are crucial for early detection of recurrence. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, controlling weight, and exercising regularly, along with adhering to preventive therapies recommended by physicians (like hormone therapy or targeted drugs), can effectively reduce the risk of relapse.
Can acupuncture serve as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment?Acupuncture has evidence supporting its role in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, pain, and insomnia. Some hospitals offer integrative medical services. It is important to choose qualified acupuncturists and communicate with the primary physician to avoid interactions with chemotherapy drugs. Its primary role is to improve quality of life rather than replace main treatments.
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