In India, there is a rapid increase in the number of lung cancer patients, leading to the emergence of new treatment methods. Patients with cancer are no longer forced to rely solely on radiation therapy and chemotherapy. When determining treatment, doctors consider not only the stage of the cancer but also its specific type. Currently, targeted therapy is increasingly being used in cancer treatment.
The doctor explained that before starting cancer treatment, an analysis of the tumor tissue is conducted. The goal of this analysis is to identify genetic changes. If such changes are found, drugs are prescribed that prevent the growth of cancer cells and their spread to other parts of the body. These drugs send special signals to the body, hindering cancer metastasis. This treatment method targets the weak links of cancer directly, and its advantage is that it has fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
Furthermore, immunotherapy is also showing high benefit in the fight against cancer. Dr. Tejinder Kataria, head of the radio-oncology department at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, noted that immunotherapy has completely changed the approach to treating lung cancer. These medications help the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for some patients. It can also be used before or after surgery. Nevertheless, research continues to determine which patients will benefit most from this therapy. If these studies are completed, this therapy could become a turning point in cancer treatment.
Tejinder also emphasized that lung cancer treatment today is not limited to surgery; it has become personalized. This means that a doctor can choose the most suitable treatment for each patient, taking into account the stage of the disease and the overall health condition. This allows for the possibility of saving lives even in serious forms of cancer.
