Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is evolving in cancer care by telling the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors help block proteins that prevent immune responses, while CAR-T cell therapy modifies immune cells to target specific cancers.
These approaches have shown positive results, especially for cancers that are hard to treat and have an immense physical toll on the patient. Immunotherapy not only gives hope for remission but it also reduces the need for aggressive treatments.
The current research in this type of treatment aims to make these therapies more accessible and effective for different types of cancers.
Personalized medicine
Personalized medicine is treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic profile, ensuring therapies are more effective and have fewer side effects. By analyzing genetic mutations in tumors, doctors can select drugs that specifically target cancer cells while leaving the healthy tissue. This approach has gained interest as it enters into genomic sequencing. For patients, this means a shift from one type of care which is given to all patients to customized solutions that align with their conditions and increase their survival rates.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy zeroes in on specific molecules that initiate and stimulate cancer growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, these treatments leave and avoid healthy cells hence reducing the side effects. For example, therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors block signals that encourage tumor development.
Targeted therapy has been especially effective in cancers with well-defined genetic markers, such as HER2-positive breast cancer and certain types of leukemia. Research is still going on and more drugs are being developed to fight against a wider range of cancers with higher accuracy.
Advances in radiation therapy
Radiation therapy has evolved with precise techniques such as proton therapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays to target tumors hence minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in fewer number of sessions with high accuracy.
This is suitable for tumors in areas that are a bit more sensitive like the brain or lungs. These new techniques increase effectiveness and reduce side effects, offering patients better outcomes in a shorter time. Radiation therapy is always under continuous development as it is one of the main and trusted methods of treating cancers.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is modifying cancer care by delivering drugs directly to tumors. Nanoparticles can carry chemotherapy drugs and release them in a controlled manner at the tumor site. This targeted approach reduces side effects and improves drug efficacy. Additionally, nanoparticles are being explored as a new type of imaging technique to help detect cancers at an earlier stage. While still a very developing field nanotechnology shows potential in treating aggressive forms of cancers.
Liquid biopsies
Liquid biopsies are being mainly used in diagnosing cancers. These blood tests detect cancer cells or DNA fragments shed by tumors, offering a new non-invasive method to monitor disease progression. Unlike traditional biopsies, which require tissue samples, liquid biopsies are quick and can be performed easily. They’re particularly valuable for tracking how the patient is responding to a specific type of treatment and detecting relapses.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing progress in oncology by analyzing vast datasets to uncover patterns that doctors might miss. AI algorithms assist in early detection by interpreting imaging scans. They also aid in predicting a patient’s response to treatment, allowing for more effective treatment plans. Additionally, it is helping researchers identify potential drug candidates faster.
Palliative care
Palliative care helps cancer patients live more comfortably by focusing on managing pain, and fatigue. Nowadays it includes personalized pain plans, therapies like acupuncture, and digital tools to track symptoms. These care teams work closely with oncologists to address both physical and emotional needs, ensuring patients feel supported.
Delhi is known for its advanced cancer care, offering a combination of experienced specialists and modern treatment methods. With several reputable hospitals and access to new treatments, Delhi is a reliable choice for patients seeking quality cancer care. If you’re searching for the best cancer hospital in Delhi, the city offers a balance of experienced doctors and modern technology to support patients.
References:
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/navigating-cancer-care/treatment-types/immunotherapy/what-is-car-t-therapy#:~:text=CAR%20T%20cell%20therapy%20is,destroying%20cancer%20cells%20more%20effectively.
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/checkpoint-inhibitors
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/precision-medicine.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies#:~:text=Targeted%20therapy%20is%20a%20type,treatments%20that%20target%20these%20proteins.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sbrt/pyc-20446794
- https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/care-centers-clinics/proton-therapy-center/what-is-proton-therapy.html#:~:text=Proton%20therapy%2C%20or%20proton%20beam,tissues%20and%20minimizing%20side%20effects.
- https://www.cancer.gov/nano/cancer-nanotechnology/treatment
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/23992-liquid-biopsy
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/ai-tool-predicts-response-cancer-therapy