When you think of cancer, what immediately comes to mind is chemotherapy and radiation therapy, right? True, those methods are still used to fight cancer. But that picture is changing in ways that are unimaginable. With the advances in medical science in the past few years, cancer patients and doctors now have a wide range of options to choose from. So, let's talk a little about this new hope.
Attacking cancer with the body's own army - Immunotherapy
One reason why fighting cancer is so difficult is that cancer cells are very cunning enemies. They are very good at hiding from our body's own defense system, the immune system. Sometimes our body doesn't even recognize these cancer cells as a threat. Or, our immune system isn't strong enough to fight them off.
But now there is a good solution to this situation. That is a treatment called immunotherapy . Simply put, these drugs "mark" these hidden cancer cells to our immune system. Then our defense cells can easily find these cancer cells and destroy them. Also, these drugs strengthen our immune system and help it attack tumors.
This treatment method is already being used successfully for several types of cancer, and many other drugs are in the research stage.
A specific treatment: CAR T-cell therapy
This is another step forward in immunotherapy. This is actually gene therapy. Think of it this way. You take a type of immune cell (T-cells) from your own blood. Then, in a lab, you add new genes to those cells, turning them into "super soldiers." These newly trained cells can identify and destroy cancer cells with great precision. Then, you inject these super cells back into your own body.
Currently, this treatment (`tisagenlecleucel` (Kymriah)) is given to children and young adults under the age of 25 who have a type of leukemia (`B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia`) that has not responded to other treatments. Similar treatments (`Yescarta`, `Tecartus`) are also approved for certain types of lymphoma in adults (`B-cell lymphoma`, `mantle cell lymphoma`). Scientists are developing this method for other types of cancer.
Treatment that suits you - Personalized Medicine
In the past, everyone with a certain type of cancer and a certain stage of it was given the same type of treatment. It was like giving everyone the same size shirt. Some people might get better results, while others might not.
But now doctors know that a solution that works for one person may not work for another.
With today's technology, doctors can accurately determine which treatment will help you the most by examining your own genes . This is what we call personalized medicine.
Also, there are some new drugs that are very targeted. That is, instead of destroying cancer cells along with healthy cells like older chemo drugs, these new drugs target and attack only cancer cells . This means that the side effects are much fewer.
The amazing contribution of modern technology
There are now new imaging technologies that can help us see exactly what the cancer looks like and how far it has spread. These are like super cameras that can see right inside the cancer.
| Technology | Simply put, what will happen from this? |
|---|---|
| mp-MRI (Multiparametric-magnetic resonance imaging) | This allows doctors to clearly see even the delicate network of blood vessels inside a prostate cancer tumor. This information makes it easier for doctors to choose the best treatment. |
| FLI (Fluorescence lifetime imaging) | A way to help women with breast cancer. This scan tells you if you have certain proteins in your body that help cancer cells grow. If so, your doctor can give you medicine that stops that growth. |
| Cryoablation | This involves freezing the cancer and destroying it by freezing it like ice. This allows cancer to sometimes be treated without removing all or part of a lung. |
| MRI-guided focal laser ablation | An MRI scan pinpoints the location of the cancer and uses a high-temperature laser beam to destroy the cancer cells. This is used for prostate cancer. |
There is relief even without medicine...
Life can be very difficult during cancer treatment due to stress, nausea, and pain. In times like these, there are other ways to provide relief in addition to medical treatments .
Yoga, massage, meditation, and hypnosis can help you relax and improve your mood. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese treatment, can help relieve some of the side effects of treatment.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Depression
- Pain
Most importantly: These are not a substitute for primary medical care. They are meant to provide you with relief while you receive primary care. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting anything like this.
The importance of a lifestyle change
While talking about all these treatments, there is one thing we cannot forget. That is our lifestyle. Things like reducing fatty foods, staying active, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of cancer.
Research has found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of 13 types of cancer . You don't have to run a marathon. Just walking briskly for 30 minutes a day can help.
It's good to have choices in life. It's even better when there are more treatment options for those battling cancer. That hope is growing every day.
Take-Home Message
- When it comes to cancer treatment, there are now more than just chemo and radiation. There are also modern methods that use the body's own immune system, such as immunotherapy.
- The 'one size fits all' approach has changed. Now, it is possible to test your genes and provide you with personalized, targeted treatment (Personalized Medicine).
- Modern imaging technologies and methods such as lasers and cryoablation have made it possible to minimize surgery and destroy cancer cells more precisely.
- Complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can help relieve side effects and psychological distress caused by treatment. Always ask your doctor about this.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise) is very important to reduce the risk of cancer and tolerating treatment.
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