Effective ways to treat cancer

Effective ways of treating cancer: an integrated approach to victory over the disease

I. Diagnosis of cancer: the foundation of successful treatment

Before proceeding with cancer treatment, it is extremely important to establish an accurate diagnosis. This includes the determination of the type of cancer, its stages (the degree of distribution), molecular characteristics and the general state of health of the patient. Accurate diagnosis allows you to develop an individual treatment plan that is as effective as possible for a particular case.

A. Visualization methods:

1. Radiography: Uses x -rays to create images of internal organs and tissues. Allows you to detect tumors in the lungs, bones and other areas. It is important to note that radiography uses ionizing radiation, so its use should be justified.
2. Computed tomography (CT): A more detailed method than radiography. Uses x -rays to create three -dimensional images of organs and tissues. Allows you to detect small tumors and evaluate their distribution. Like radiography, CT uses ionizing radiation. Modern CT scanners can reduce the dose of irradiation.
3. Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of internal organs and tissues. Does not use ionizing radiation. Especially useful for visualization of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord and mammary glands. MRI may require the introduction of a contrast matter to improve visualization.
4. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Uses sound waves of high frequency to create images of internal organs and tissues. Does not use ionizing radiation. Useful for the visualization of the liver, kidneys, gall bladder and other organs. Ultrasound is often used for biopsy under visualization control.
5. Positron emission tomography (PET): Uses a radioactive indicator (usually fluentoxyglucosis, FDH) to detect areas of increased metabolic activity, which may indicate the presence of a tumor. PET is often combined with CT (PET-KT) for a more accurate localization of the tumor.
6. Scintigraphy: Uses radioactive substances that are introduced into the body and accumulate in certain organs or tissues. A special camera (gamma camera) detects radiation emitted by a radioactive substance, and creates an image. Scintigraphy can be used to detect tumors of bones, thyroid gland and other organs.

B. Biopsy:

A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample for research under a microscope is taken from a tumor or suspicious fabric. The biopsy is a gold standard of cancer diagnosis, since it allows you to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine their type.

1. Incision Biopsy: Only part of the tumor is removed.
2. Excisio biopsy: The whole tumor is removed.
3. Puncture biopsy: A needle is used to take a sample of fabric.
4. Bone -free biopsy: A sample of bone marrow for research is taken.
5. Liquid biopsy: A blood test or other biological fluids for detecting cancer cells or DNA of a tumor.

C. Molecular diagnostics:

Molecular diagnosis analyzes genes, proteins and other molecules that are involved in the development of cancer. This allows you to determine the individual characteristics of the tumor and choose the most effective treatment.

1. Immunohistochemistry (IGC): Uses antibodies to identify certain proteins in tumor cells. IGC helps to determine the type of cancer and its sensitivity to certain drugs.
2. Fluorescence hybridization in situ (fish): Uses fluorescent probes to identify certain genes or chromosomes in tumor cells. Fish helps to determine the presence of genetic mutations that can affect treatment.
3. New generation sequencing (NGS): Allows you to quickly and effectively sequenate large areas of DNA. NGS is used to identify many genetic mutations in tumor cells.
4. PCR (polymerase chain reaction): Used for amplification (multiplication) of certain DNA sections. PCR is used to detect cancer cells in the blood or other biological fluids.

II. Surgical treatment of cancer:

Surgery is one of the main methods of cancer treatment. The aim of surgical treatment is to remove the tumor and, if necessary, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.

A. Types of surgical operations:

1. Local excision: Removing only a tumor and a small amount of surrounding fabric.
2. Wide excision: Removing the tumor and more surrounding fabric.
3. Lymphadenectomy: Removal of lymph nodes that can contain cancer cells.
4. Cytracurring surgery: Removing the maximum possible amount of tumor, even if it cannot be removed completely.
5. Palliative surgery: An operation aimed at alleviating the symptoms of cancer, and not at its cure.
6. Reconstructive surgery: An operation aimed at restoring the appearance or function of the organ after removing the tumor.

B. Methods of surgical intervention:

1. Open Surgery: The operation is performed through a large incision.
2. Laparoscopic surgery: The operation is performed through small incisions using a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera).
3. Robotized surgery: The operation is performed using a robotic system that is controlled by a surgeon.

C. The advantages and disadvantages of surgical treatment:

Surgical treatment can be effective for removing the tumor, but it can also have side effects, such as pain, infection, bleeding and the formation of scars. In some cases, surgical treatment may be impossible due to the size or location of the tumor.

III. Radiation therapy of cancer:

Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, which leads to their death.

A. Types of radiation therapy:

1. External radiation therapy: Radiation is directed to a tumor from an external source.
2. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy): A radioactive source is placed directly in the tumor or next to it.
3. System radiation therapy: The radioactive substance is inserted into the body and delivered to the tumor through the blood.

B. Methods of radiation therapy:

1. Three-dimensional conform radiation therapy (3D-CRT): Uses computer modeling to form a radiation beam, which exactly corresponds to the shape of the tumor.
2. Radiation therapy with intensity modulation (IMRT): Allows you to regulate the radiation intensity in different parts of the tumor to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
3. Stereotactic radiation therapy: Uses high -precision guidance methods to deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor in a short time.
4. Proton therapy: Uses protons (positively charged particles) instead of photons (x -rays) to destroy cancer cells. Proton therapy can be more accurate than traditional radiation therapy, and can reduce the risk of damage to healthy tissues.

C. Side effects of radiation therapy:

Radiation therapy can cause side effects, such as fatigue, skin reactions, hair loss, nausea and vomiting. Side effects depend on the dose of radiation, the area of ​​the body undergoing irradiation, and the individual characteristics of the patient.

IV. Chemotherapy Cancer:

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapeutic drugs act, preventing the growth and division of cancer cells.

A. Types of chemotherapeutic drugs:

There are many different chemotherapeutic drugs that act differently. Some chemotherapeutic drugs damage DNA of cancer cells, others prevent cell division, and others block the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor.

1. Alkylating agents: Damage DNA of cancer cells.
2. Antimetabolites: Prevent the division of cancer cells.
3. Antimitotic drugs: Prevent the formation of a mitotic spindle necessary for cell division.
4. Topo -dimensional inhibitors: Prevent the effects of topoisomeraz enzymes necessary for DNA replication.
5. Cytotoxic antibiotics: Damage DNA of cancer cells.

B. Methods of administration of chemotherapeutic drugs:

Chemotherapeutic drugs can be administered in various ways, including:

1. Intravenously (in/c): The medicine is administered directly into the vein.
2. Orally (inside): The medicine is taken in the form of tablets or capsules.
3. Intramuscularly (in/m): The medicine is administered into the muscle.
4. Subcutaneously (p/to): The medicine is administered under the skin.
5. Intra -artery (in/a): The medicine is administered directly into the artery that feeds the tumor.
6. Intracreted: The medicine is administered into the body cavity, for example, the abdominal cavity.

C. Side effects of chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy can cause many side effects, since it damages not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells. Side effects depend on the type of chemotherapeutic drug, dose, duration of treatment and individual characteristics of the patient.

1. Nausea and vomiting: Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.
2. Hair loss: Usually temporary.
3. Fatigue: A very common side effect.
4. Reduced appetite: Can lead to weight loss.
5. Diarrhea or constipation: Can be caused by chemotherapy.
6. Taries in the mouth: Can be painful.
7. Reducing the number of leukocytes (neutropenia): Increases the risk of infections.
8. Reducing the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia): Increases the risk of bleeding.
9. Anemia (decrease in the number of red blood cells): It can cause fatigue and weakness.
10. Peripheral neuropathy: Nerves damage, which can cause numbness, tingling or pain in the hands and legs.

V. Targeted cancer therapy:

Targeted therapy uses drugs that are aimed at certain molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These molecules can be genes, proteins or other substances that need cancer cells for survival.

A. Types of targeted drugs:

1. Inhibitor tyrosinekinase (ITC): Enlarms are blocked by tyrosinkinase enzymes that participate in the transmission of growth signals in cancer cells.
2. Ingibitors MTOR: Block the protein MTOR, which is involved in the growth and division of cells.
3. Braf inhibitors: Blaf protein is blocked, which is involved in the transmission of growth signals in cancer cells.
4. MEK inhibitors: MEK proteins are blocked, which are involved in the transmission of growth signals in cancer cells.
5. EGFR inhibitors: Block the receptor of the epidermal growth factor (EGFR), which is involved in the growth and division of cells.
6. Her2 inhibitors: The HER2 receptor is blocked, which is involved in the growth and division of cells.
7. Angiogenesis inhibitors: The formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumor is blocked.
8. Monoclonal antibodies: They are associated with certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells and destroy them.

B. Advantages of targeted therapy:

Targeted therapy can be more effective than chemotherapy, since it is aimed at specific molecules involved in the development of cancer. Targeted therapy can also have less side effects than chemotherapy, since it is less toxic for healthy cells.

C. Side effects of targeted therapy:

Targeted therapy can cause side effects that depend on the type of the drug and the individual characteristics of the patient.

1. Skin rashes: Frequent side effect of EGFR inhibitors.
2. Diarrhea: Frequent side effect of many targeted drugs.
3. Fatigue: A common side effect.
4. High blood pressure: It can be caused by angiogenesis inhibitors.
5. Reduced heart function: It can be caused by some HER2 inhibitors.

VI. Cancer immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to combat cancer. Immunotherapeutic drugs help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

A. Types of immunotherapeutic drugs:

1. Control points inhibitors: Proteins are blocked that prevent the immune system to attack cancer cells.
2. Cell therapy: Uses the patient’s immune cells that were modified to attack cancer cells.
3. Cancer vaccines: They stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
4. Cytokines: Proteins that stimulate the immune system.

B. Advantages of immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy can be effective for the treatment of certain types of cancer that do not respond to other types of treatment. Immunotherapy can also have a long effect, since it helps the immune system remember cancer cells and attack them in the future.

C. Side effects of immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy can cause side effects, since it stimulates the immune system that can attack not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells.

1. Organ inflammation: The immune system can attack healthy organs such as lungs, liver or intestines.
2. Autoimmune diseases: The immune system can attack the body’s own tissues.
3. Fatigue: A common side effect.
4. Skin rashes: Can be caused by the immune system.
5. Diarrhea: It can be caused by the immune system.

VII. Hormone therapy of cancer:

Hormone therapy uses drugs to block the action of hormones that contribute to the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy is used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and other types of cancer that are sensitive to hormones.

A. Types of hormonal drugs:

1. Anti -estrogens: Estrogen is blocked, which contribute to the growth of breast cancer.
2. Aromatase inhibitors: The enzyme is blocked aromatase, which is involved in the production of estrogen.
3. Antiandrogen: The effect of androgens that contribute to the growth of prostate cancer is blocked.
4. Lhrh analogues: Reduce testosterone levels in the body.

B. Side effects of hormonal therapy:

Hormonal therapy can cause side effects that depend on the type of the drug and the individual characteristics of the patient.

1. Tucks: Frequent side effect of anti-estrogen and Lhrh analogues.
2. Dry vagina: It can be caused by anti -estrogen.
3. Libido decrease: It can be caused by antiandrogens and Lhrh analygs.
4. Osteoporosis: Increasing the risk of bone fractures.
5. Weight gain: It can be caused by some hormonal drugs.

VIII. Auxiliary and palliative help:

Auxiliary and palliative help is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of cancer and improving the quality of life of patients. Auxiliary assistance may include anesthesia, management of side effects of treatment, psychological support and nutrition.

A. Anesthesia:

Anesthetic drugs can help relieve pain caused by cancer or its treatment.

B. Management of side effects of treatment:

Auxiliary assistance can help cope with the side effects of treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hair loss.

C. Psychological support:

Psychological support can help patients and their families cope with emotional and psychological problems associated with cancer.

D. Nutrition:

Proper nutrition can help patients maintain strength and energy during cancer treatment.

IX. Clinical trials:

Clinical trials are studies that evaluate new cancer treatment methods. Participation in clinical trials can give patients access to the most modern treatment methods that are not yet available to the general public.

X. Integrative medicine:

Integrative medicine combines traditional methods of treating cancer with complementary and alternative methods. Complete and alternative methods can help alleviate the symptoms of cancer and improve the quality of life of patients. It is important to discuss the use of complementary and alternative methods with a doctor to make sure that they are safe and do not interact with other treatment methods.

XI. Personalized medicine in oncology:

Personalized medicine in oncology is an approach to the treatment of cancer, which takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient, including his genetic profile, molecular characteristics of the tumor and the general state of health. Personalized medicine allows you to choose the most effective treatment for a particular patient.

XII. Cancer prevention:

Cancer prevention includes measures aimed at reducing the risk of cancer. Preventive measures include a healthy lifestyle, rejection of smoking, moderate use of alcohol, sun protection, regular medical examinations and vaccination.

This amount of information is only part of the huge knowledge necessary for a comprehensive understanding and effective treatment of cancer. Further study of specific types of cancer, the latest research and individual needs of patients is crucial for achieving the best results.