Cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's age, medical history and personal preferences. Generally speaking, cancer treatment can involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Surgery is often used to remove cancerous tumors or other affected tissues. Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, surgery may be used to remove a tumor, lymph nodes, or other affected tissues. Surgery may also be used to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or on its own. Chemotherapy can be administered directly into the bloodstream, or injected into the affected area. It can also be administered orally or through an IV.
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be used to shrink tumors, or to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. This type of therapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Examples of immunotherapy drugs include interferon, interleukin-2, and monoclonal antibodies.
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific cancer cells. This type of therapy is used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Examples of targeted therapy drugs include trastuzumab, bevacizumab, and cetuximab.
In summary, the most common treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's age, medical history, and personal preferences, different combinations of these treatments may be used.