Cancer is one of the most challenging health conditions that affects millions of people worldwide. While cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, advancements in medical science have made cancer treatment more effective, precise, and personalised than ever before. From traditional methods like surgery and chemotherapy to cutting-edge therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs, today’s treatment landscape offers multiple ways to fight the disease. In this blog, we will explore the different types of cancer treatment, how they work, and what patients can expect from each approach.
Types of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment aims to remove, destroy, or control cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissues. The treatment plan depends on various factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, the tumour location, and the patient’s overall health and age. In many cases, the combination of treatments is used to achieve the best outcome. Below are a few types of cancer treatment:
1. Surgery
This is the oldest and most common form of cancer treatment. Surgery involves physically removing the tumour and surrounding tissues. It is often the first line of treatment for solid tumours confined to one area and not yet spread. The surgery can offer a complete cure if the cancer is localised. However, it is less effective if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful anti-cancer drugs to kill or stop the growth of rapidly dividing cells. These drugs circulate through the bloodstream and stop cancer from spreading to multiple areas. It can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and lowered immunity, as it also affects rapidly dividing healthy cells. However, modern advancements and supportive medications have made these effects more manageable.
3. Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. It is highly precise, targeting specific areas while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissues. It’s particularly effective for cancer of the brain, breast, prostate, and cervix.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s own immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy helps stimulate the natural immune response. It has shown remarkable success in treating cancers that were once considered untreatable. It also offers long-lasting effects since it trains the immune system to recognise cancer cells in case they return.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genes or pathways that cancer cells use to grow and divide. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy works only on cancer cells with certain mutations. It has fewer side effects than traditional treatments and is tailored to a patient’s genetic profile.
6. Hormone Therapy
Some cancers, like breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers, depend on hormones to grow. Hormone therapies work by either blocking hormone production or interfering with their effects on cancer cells. They can stop or slow cancer growth and are often used along with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy for better results.
7. Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This treatment is crucial after high doses of chemotherapy or radiation that harm the bone marrow. It is commonly used for leukaemia and lymphoma. The stem cell transplants help restore the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
Conclusion
Cancer treatment has advanced remarkably over the years, moving beyond traditional methods to highly personalised and targeted approaches. Choosing the right care facility is crucial to successful treatment. The top hospitals in Dubai are equipped with cutting-edge oncology departments, world-class diagnostic tools, and multidisciplinary teams that provide comprehensive cancer care. Recovery will be faster with the proper medical guidance, timely diagnosis, and access to advanced cancer therapies.
