Treatment of oncology: modern approaches
I. Diagnostics – the first step to victory:
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of successful treatment of cancer. It allows you to determine the type of tumor, its stage, prevalence and other important characteristics necessary for the development of an individual treatment plan. Modern diagnostic methods go far beyond routine examinations using advanced technologies to detect cancer in the earliest stages and determine the most effective therapy strategies.
A. Visualization methods:
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Radiography: A traditional method that allows visualization of bone structures and chest organs. Although radiography remains useful in some cases, it has a limited sensitivity to detect small tumors and does not allow to evaluate soft tissues in detail.
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Computed tomography (CT): Uses x -rays to create layer -by -layer images of organs and tissues. CT has a higher resolution than radiography, and allows you to identify tumors, determine their size and prevalence, as well as evaluate the defeat of lymph nodes and other organs. Spiral CT with contrast enhancing increases the accuracy of the diagnosis, allowing to better visualize blood vessels and tumors with increased blood supply. CT angiography is used to assess the state of vessels that feed the tumor, which is important when planning surgical intervention.
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Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of soft fabrics. MRI is especially effective for visualization of the brain, spinal cord, mammary glands, prostate gland and other organs. MRI allows you to identify tumors in the early stages, evaluate their structure and characteristics, as well as differentiate malignant and benign formations. MRI with contrast enhancement (gadolinium) increases the sensitivity of the method and allows you to better visualize tumors with increased blood supply.
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Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Uses sound waves of high frequency to create images of internal organs. Ultrasound is a non -invasive, safe and inexpensive diagnostic method. Ultrasound is widely used to visualize the organs of the abdominal cavity, pelvis, thyroid gland and mammary glands. Doppler ultrasound allows you to evaluate the blood flow in the tumors and surrounding tissues.
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Positron emission tomography (PET): It uses radioactive isotopes (for example, fluentosxiglucosis – FDG) to visualize the metabolic activity of cells. PET allows you to identify tumors in the early stages, evaluate their malignancy and prevalence, as well as monitor the effectiveness of treatment. PET/CT combines the advantages of PET and CT, providing information about both metabolic activity and the anatomical structure of the tumor. PET/MRI combines the advantages of PET and MRI, providing more detailed information about the soft tissues and the metabolic activity of the tumor.
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Scintigraphy: Uses radioactive substances to visualize certain organs and tissues. Bone scintigraphy allows you to detect metastases in bones. Scintigraphy of the thyroid gland allows you to evaluate its structure and function.
B. Endoscopic methods:
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Colonoscopy: Inspection of the colon with an endoscope. Colonoscopy allows you to identify polyps and cancer of the colon in the early stages. During colonoscopy, you can perform a biopsy for histological examination.
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Gastroscopy: Inspection of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with an endoscope. Gastroscopy allows you to identify ulcers, polyps and cancer of the stomach. During gastroscopy, you can perform a biopsy for histological examination.
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Bronchoscopy: Inspection of the trachea and bronchi using an endoscope. Bronchoscopy allows you to identify lung tumors and bronchi. During bronchoscopy, a biopsy can be performed for histological examination.
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Cystoscopy: Inspection of the bladder with an endoscope. Cistoscopy allows you to identify the tumors of the bladder. During cystoscopy, you can perform a biopsy for histological examination.
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Laparoscopy: Inspection of the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope. Laparoscopy allows you to identify tumors in the abdominal cavity and perform a biopsy.
C. Biopsy and histological research:
A biopsy is a sample of tissue for histological examination. A histological examination allows you to determine the type of tumor, its degree of malignancy and other important characteristics. The biopsy can be performed in various ways:
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Insulinating Biopsy: Taking a small piece of tumor fabric.
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Excisio biopsy: Removing the tumor whole.
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Thin -iginal aspiration biopsy (tab): Taking tumor cells using a thin needle.
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Trepanobiopsy: Taking a column of tumor fabric using a special needle.
A histological study includes:
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Fabric staining: For visualization of cells and their structures.
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Immunogymic study (IGC): The use of antibodies to identify certain proteins in tumor cells. The IGC allows you to determine the histogenesis of the tumor, its degree of malignancy and sensitivity to various types of therapy.
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Molecular genetic study: Determination of genetic mutations in tumor cells. The molecular genetic study allows you to identify targets for targeted therapy and predict the effectiveness of treatment.
D. Liquid biopsy:
Liquid biopsy is a blood test or other biological fluids to detect tumor cells, DNA or other biomarkers. Liquid biopsy is a non -invasive diagnostic method that allows:
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Identify cancer in the early stages.
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Monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
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Identify relapses of the disease.
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Determine the genetic mutations in tumor cells.
E. Molecular diagnostics:
Molecular diagnosis plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of cancer. It allows you to determine genetic mutations in tumor cells, which can be targets for targeted therapy. Molecular diagnosis also allows you to predict the effectiveness of treatment and identify patients who are most likely to respond to certain types of therapy.
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New generation sequencing (NGS): Allows you to simultaneously analyze many genes and identify various genetic mutations.
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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Allows you to identify certain genetic mutations.
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Fluorescent in situ hybridization (Fish): Allows you to identify chromosomal aberration.
II. Surgical treatment:
Surgical treatment remains one of the main methods of treating cancer. The aim of surgical intervention is to remove the tumor of the whole, as well as the affected lymph nodes and other tissues. Modern surgical methods become more and more gentle and accurate, allowing minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and improving the results of treatment.
A. Types of surgical operations:
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Radical tumor removal: Removing the tumor entirely with the capture of the surrounding healthy tissues.
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Organ -preserving operations: Removing only part of the organ affected by the tumor. Organ -preserving operations allow you to maintain the function of the organ and improve the quality of life of patients.
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Cytracutal operations: Removing the maximum possible volume of the tumor, even if it is impossible to remove it entirely. Cytoragective operations can reduce the tumor mass and improve the effectiveness of other types of therapy.
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Palliative operations: Operations aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the disease and improving the quality of life of patients, when radical removal of the tumor is impossible.
B. Miniyinvasive surgical methods:
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Laparoscopic surgery: Operations performed through small incisions using a laparoscope. Laparoscopic surgery allows you to reduce pain, blood loss and recovery time after surgery.
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Robotized surgery: Operations performed using a surgical robot. Robotized surgery allows you to perform complex operations with high accuracy and minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
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Endoscopic surgery: Operations performed through the natural holes of the body using an endoscope. Endoscopic surgery avoids cuts and reduce the risk of complications.
C. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IOLT):
Iolt is an irradiation of a tumor during a surgical operation. Iolt allows you to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing the effect on the surrounding healthy tissues. Iolt can be used in combination with other types of therapy, such as surgical treatment, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
D. Cryosurgery:
Cryosurgery is the destruction of the tumor by freezing. Cryosurgery can be used to treat tumors of the skin, prostate, liver and other organs.
III. Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used independently or in combination with other types of therapy, such as surgical treatment and chemotherapy. Modern methods of radiation therapy allow you to accurately aim radiation on the tumor, minimizing the effect on the surrounding healthy tissues.
A. Types of radiation therapy:
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External radiation therapy: O radio irradiation using an external source of radiation.
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Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy): The irradiation of the tumor using radioactive sources, which are introduced directly into the tumor or next to it.
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Stereotactic radiation therapy: Irradiation of a tumor with high accuracy using a stereotactic system.
B. Modern methods of radiation therapy:
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Three-dimensional conform radiation therapy (3D-CRT): Formation of radiation beam in accordance with the shape of the tumor.
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Intensively modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): Regulation of the intensity of the radiation beam for the delivery of the maximum dose of radiation to the tumor and the minimum dose of radiation into the surrounding healthy tissues.
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Volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT): IMRT variation, in which the radiation source rotates around the patient, providing a more uniform distribution of the dose of radiation.
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Stereotaxic radiosurgery (SRS): Single irradiation of a tumor with a high dose of radiation with high accuracy. SRS is used to treat tumors of the brain, lungs and other organs.
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Stereotactic radiation therapy of the body (SBRT): Freeded irradiation of a tumor with a high dose of radiation with high accuracy. SBRT is used to treat lung tumors, liver, kidneys and other organs.
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Proton therapy: Irradiation of the tumor with protons. Protons have unique physical properties that allow them to give most of their energy at the end of their run, which allows you to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor and a minimum dose of radiation to the surrounding healthy tissues.
C. Side effects of radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy can cause various side effects, depending on the area of irradiation and the dose of radiation. Some common side effects of radiation therapy include:
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Fatigue.
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Skin reactions.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Diarrhea.
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Hair loss.
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Reducing the level of leukocytes and platelets.
IV. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used independently or in combination with other types of therapy, such as surgical treatment and radiation therapy. Modern chemotherapeutic drugs are becoming more effective and less toxic.
A. Types of chemotherapy:
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Adjuvanta chemotherapy: Chemotherapy carried out after surgical treatment or radiation therapy to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
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Neo -Adovable chemotherapy: Chemotherapy carried out before surgical treatment or radiation therapy to reduce the size of the tumor and increase the effectiveness of subsequent treatment.
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Palliative chemotherapy: Chemotherapy, carried out to relieve symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients, when radical treatment is impossible.
B. The mechanisms of the action of chemotherapeutic drugs:
Chemotherapeutic drugs act in various ways:
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Alkylating agents: Damage DNA of cancer cells.
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Antimetabolites: Block the synthesis of DNA and RNA of cancer cells.
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Topoisomeraz inhibitors: The enzymes necessary for the replication of DNA of cancer cells are blocked.
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Anti -foam antibiotics: Damage DNA of cancer cells.
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Plant alkaloids: Block the division of cancer cells.
C. Side effects of chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, depending on the type of drug, dose and duration of treatment. Some common side effects of chemotherapy include:
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Hair loss.
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Fatigue.
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Reducing the level of leukocytes and platelets.
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Mucosite (inflammation of the mucous membranes).
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Peripheral neuropathy (nerves damage).
V. Target therapy:
Targeted therapy uses drugs that are aimed at specific molecules involved in the growth and development of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be more effective and less toxic than chemotherapy, since it is aimed only at cancer cells and does not damage healthy cells.
A. Types of targeted therapy:
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Tyrosinkinase inhibitors: The enzymes necessary for transmitting growth signals in cancer cells are blocked.
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Ingibitors MTOR: They block the MTOR protein, which plays an important role in the growth and development of cancer cells.
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VEGF inhibitors: Blockery factor of vascular endothelium (VEGF), which stimulates the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor.
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Antibodies: Aimed at specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
B. The mechanisms of action of targeted therapy:
Targeted drugs act in various ways:
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The signaling paths of cancer cells are blocked.
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Prevent the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor.
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They stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
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Cancer cells are directly destroyed.
C. Side effects of targeted therapy:
Targeted therapy can cause various side effects, depending on the type of drug and dose. Some common side effects of targeted therapy include:
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Skin reactions.
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Diarrhea.
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Fatigue.
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High blood pressure.
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Reducing the level of leukocytes and platelets.
VI. Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy uses drugs that stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a relatively new approach to the treatment of cancer, but it showed promising results in the treatment of various types of cancer.
A. Types of immunotherapy:
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Inhibitors of immune control points (checkpointing inhibitors): Proteins are blocked, which inhibit the activity of the immune system.
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Car-T cell therapy: Modified T-cells of the patient who are aimed at specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
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Oncolytic viruses: Viruses that selectively infect and destroy cancer cells.
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Cancer vaccines: They stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
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Cytokines: Proteins that regulate the activity of the immune system.
B. The mechanisms of the action of immunotherapy:
Immunotherapeutic drugs act in various ways:
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Relieve braking from the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells.
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Modified immune cells so that they more effectively recognize and destroy cancer cells.
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Cancer cells are directly destroyed.
C. Side effects of immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy can cause various side effects associated with hyperactivation of the immune system. Some common side effects of immunotherapy include:
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Autoimmune diseases.
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Pneumonitis (pneumonia).
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Colitis (inflammation of the colon).
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Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
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Endocrinopathy (disorders of the endocrine glands).
VII. Supporting therapy:
Supporting therapy is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the disease and side effects of treatment, as well as to improve the quality of life of patients.
A. Control pain:
Pain is a common symptom of oncological diseases. Pain control may include:
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Anesthetic drugs.
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Radiation therapy.
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Surgical treatment.
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Nervous blockade.
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Alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture and massage.
B. Nutritional support:
Insufficient nutrition is a common problem in patients with cancer. Nutritional support may include:
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Dietary recommendations.
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Food supplements.
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Entereal nutrition (nutrition through the probe).
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Parenteral nutrition (intravenous nutrition).
C. Psychological support:
Oncological disease can have a significant effect on the psychological state of patients and their loved ones. Psychological support may include:
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Consultations of a psychologist or psychotherapist.
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Support groups.
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Medicines for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
D. Nausea and vomiting control:
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Control of nausea and vomiting may include:
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Anti -rate drugs.
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Changing the diet.
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Alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture.
E. Office of fatigue:
Fatigue is a common symptom of oncological diseases and a side effect of treatment. Foreness can include:
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Regular physical exercises.
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A sufficient dream.
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Balanced diet.
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Medicines.
VIII. Prospects for the treatment of cancer:
Science continues to develop, and new methods of treatment of cancer appear that promise to improve the results of treatment and the quality of life of patients.
A. Nanotechnology:
Nanotechnologies allow you to develop new methods for the delivery of drugs directly into cancer cells, minimizing the effect on healthy cells.
B. General therapy:
Gene therapy allows you to correct genetic defects in cancer cells, making them more sensitive to treatment.
C. Development of new immunotherapeutic drugs:
The development of new immunotherapeutic drugs continues, which more effectively stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
D. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (MO):
AI and MO are used to analyze large volumes of cancer data, which allows you to identify new targets for targeted therapy, predict the effectiveness of treatment and develop individualized treatment plans.
IX. Conclusion:
Treatment of cancer is a complex and multifaceted process that requires an individual approach to each patient. Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the results of treatment and the quality of life of patients. It is important to remember that early diagnosis and timely start of treatment are key factors in success in the fight against cancer.
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