Chemotherapy

In medical oncology, chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. A biological agent or hormone or chemical travels into the bloodstream to act on the cancerous cells and kill them. The success rate of chemotherapy is pretty high and has been used for many years in cancer treatment.

There are some chemotherapeutic agents, too, that destroy the rapidly dividing cancerous cells for cancer treatment. These agents interfere with the growth of cancer cells to damage them permanently and prevent their further progression. This helps in shrinking tumors and curing cancer by preventing it from multiplying. Furthermore, the patients get relief and live longer than expected.

Immunotherapy

A cancer patient who cannot benefit much from chemotherapy or cannot tolerate the same opts for immunotherapy. This treatment involves strengthening the natural defense system of the body to resist the attack of cancer cells. It activates the immune system and prevents the growth of cancer cells to stop them from spreading

The therapy alters the immune response of the body to fight cancerous cells. They target cancer cells either by cytokines, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, or immunomodulators. This therapy can be used alone or along with other types of treatment for cancer.

Targeted therapy

In this therapy, the biological agent targets a particular protein or gene found in the cancer cells. This helps in stopping cell proliferation and hence, this cutting-edge cancer treatment is pretty much effective in several types of cancers. Targeted therapy is given through oral medications or IV infusion in conjunction with some other type of medical oncology treatment.

Targeted therapy reduces cancer growth and is given before or after the surgery to kill cancerous cells or shrink the tumor size in advanced stages of cancer. As it acts specifically on cancer cells, it has mini side effects like diarrhea. The medications used in this therapy ensure the prevention of cancer cell growth by targeting different cellular pathways.

Hormone therapy

Hormones have a role in the treatment of cancer, and hormone therapy may alter cancer growth. Hormonal treatment slows down hormone production in the patient's body to stop the growth and development of cancerous cells. This therapy blocks cancer cell receptors, such as in, prostate cancer and breast cancer to work at their best. It lowers the hormonal levels in the body- testosterone in men and estrogen in women.

Hormone therapy does not allow the continued growth of cancer and is usually given as an oral medication for a certain time. The doctor might also administer this therapy through injection.

Side effects

• Nausea/vomiting and diarrhea
• Fatigue and fever
• Bruising, pain, and bleeding
• Sore mouth and dry skin
• Hair loss and loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Wound healing problem
• Sinus congestion, headache, muscle ache
• Hormonal changes
• Edema, hot flushing, and weight gain
• Alteration in concentration and memory

Advantages

• Tumor shrinkage
• Slows down cancer growth
• Pain relief
• Longer life expectancy
• Makes surgery possible, in some cases
• Reduction in chances of cancer recurrence

About doctors

We have an excellent team of knowledgeable doctors who have expertise in treating varying types of cancer. Dr. Sandeep Kakkar, Dr. Sonia Dhaka, and Dr. Piyush Mehta hold years of experience and hold numerous successful cases in their name. They are all ears to the expectations of the patients and plan the treatment according to the health and age of the patient. Our doctors are available round-the-clock for prompt care of cancer patients.