Having cancer is a life-changing event and can be emotionally overwhelming. It not only brings financial strain but a range of feelings from anger and sadness to anxiety and hope. Throughout this battle, having a strong support system is invaluable.
Cancer is a deadly disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. This disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and by 2040, the number of new cancer cases is expected to increase by 29.9 million per year.
The chronic nature of cancer is the primary reason why there is so much research happening to evaluate and identify new treatment options. This disease can be difficult to treat; however, advancements in the treatment of cancer have increased survival rates and offer hope for a cure to more people.
Medical advances are accelerating the battle against cancer, and it is essential to be aware of these advancements to make the right decision for you.
New Breakthroughs in the Fight Against Cancer
Immunotherapy
It is one of the latest advances in fighting cancer. Immunotherapy can be used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. This therapy uses the body’s immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells and is often combined with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.
It is generally considered one of the safest methods for treating cancer. Some common side effects include fever, nausea, and fatigue, which can be avoided.
Type of Immunotherapy
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: This is a new therapy used to treat certain types of lymphoma, leukaemia, and multiple myeloma. It involves modifying immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells specifically. According to studies, with the help of CAR-T cell therapy, around 70% to 80% of people with lymphoma experience reduced cancer symptoms. More research is continuously ongoing to use this therapy with solid tumours and fewer side effects.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Enhance the immune system's ability to detect and remove cancer cells. They block the protein that prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells. They are used in treating bladder cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, and melanoma. The Food and Drug Administration approved the first checkpoint inhibitor in 2011 to treat melanoma. 15 more immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved to treat several cancers to date.
- Cancer Vaccines: Cancer vaccines have the potential to treat certain cancers and prevent them from recur. They are approved to treat bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma. There are two types of cancer vaccines: preventive and therapeutic. Preventive vaccines are used to prevent cancer development in healthy people, while therapeutic vaccines are used to treat existing cancers.
Targeted Therapies
This therapy targets the genetic changes or mutations that turn healthy cells into cancer cells. It explicitly treats cancer cells without damaging the healthy cells and is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation.
More than 80 targeted therapies have been developed to treat many kinds of cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, soft tissue sarcomas, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, etc.
It is a very effective treatment but also very challenging, as identifying the target for therapy is a complicated process.
Types of Targeted therapies
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These are lab-made molecules that bind to specific targets on cancer cells. These antibodies are used for treating breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lymphoma. They block cancer cell growth or deliver toxic substances to the cancer cells.
- Small-molecule Drugs: These drugs bind to specific targets on cancer cells to prevent their growth or kill them.
Radiation Therapy Advancements
Radiation therapy is often prescribed to treat certain types of cancer. It uses high doses of radiation to damage or kill the growth of cancer cells. This treatment approach is tailored to the specific needs of the patients and the characteristics of the cancer. Advancements in radiation therapy have significantly enhanced its effectiveness and precision.
Proton Beam Therapy is a highly precise radiation therapy that uses protons rather than X-rays to destroy cancer cells while preserving the surrounding tissue. It is beneficial for treating cancers in children with fewer side effects.
Another advancement is Carbon Ion Therapy, which is similar to Proton Beam Therapy. It also precisely targets and destroys cancer cells and spares the surrounding tissue. This therapy is currently used to treat cancers that are resistant to proton therapy.
Carbon Ion Therapy is currently available in limited specialised centers worldwide, including Japan, Italy, and Germany. Clinical trials and research are ongoing to further understand this therapy's potential.
India has emerged as one of the best medical tourism destinations for patients seeking high-quality cancer care. Several cancer hospitals in India are conducting continuous research to provide top-notch and effective therapies to treat this deadly disease.
Photodynamic Therapy
In this treatment, light-activated drugs are used to kill or damage cancer cells. This therapy is usually done in two sessions. In the first session, light-activated drugs are applied to the skin, and in the second session, the cancer is exposed to a special light to make the drug work and kill the cancer cells.
This therapy is used to treat several cancers, such as skin, lung, and pancreatic cancers. It is also combined with other cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
To Conclude
There are many advancements in cancer treatment to treat this deadly disease without having any side effects. These latest treatments are giving hope to those individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. With the continued development of new and more effective therapies, the future of cancer treatment looks brighter. While some treatment availability is limited, ongoing research and development may expand its use in the coming years.
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