Cancer Treatment

A cancer diagnosis is hard to receive. The good news, however, is that there are more cancer treatment options available to patients than ever before. This review discusses the different types of cancer treatment options and why a neuroscientist may recommend a certain type of treatment.

Neuroscience says: what are the different types of cancer treatment?

There are more cancer treatment options available for patients with a brain tumor, tumor of the spine, or another form of neurological cancer. It is important to discuss the various options of cancer treatment that are available for you with a neuroscientist. However, to provide a general review, the following explains some of the more common types of cancer treatment, which include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials.

Surgery

Generally, surgery is the last option for most neurological conditions. This is not the case with cancer treatment, and the ability to have surgery is usually an advantage with cancer treatment plans. Neurosurgery has evolved and improved throughout the last several decades, and it is safer and more effective than ever before. The goal of surgery for neurological cancer treatment is to remove as much of the tumor as possible to help prevent tumor growth while avoiding healthy tissues.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, may be used after surgery to remove the cancerous tumor(s) or by itself if surgery is not an option. This method of cancer treatment involves the use of X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, etc. to target and shrink or kill cancer cells. There are different types of radiation therapy that dictate how the radiation is administered. This includes external-beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery and proton beam therapy may be options as well.

Chemotherapy

Most patients have heard of chemotherapy before they begin their treatment plan. Chemotherapy, or “chemo” for short, uses chemical compounds to kill cancer cells, particularly that which is malignant. There are three types of chemotherapy your neuroscientist may recommend, which are:

• Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy
• Oral chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy wafers

Chemotherapy wafers are inserted near the tumor site during surgery. Oral chemotherapy comes in pill form, whereas IV therapy involves the use of a catheter and the drug is administered “intravenously.” There are various other types of chemotherapy as well that may be an option, including Nitrosourea and Temozolomide (a form of oral chemotherapy).

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy, also called precision medicine, targets the molecular alterations in cancerous cells that allow the tumor to grow. Some forms of targeted therapy block the enzymes and other molecules that allow the spread of cancer cells. Other types of targeted therapy are designed to attack tumor cells without damaging healthy brain cells. For brain tumors specifically, two types of targeted therapy may be recommended:

• Avastin
• Afinitor

Target therapy may be utilized by itself or in combination with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are forms of treatment or support that are still clinically studied to determine efficacy and safety. They are not fully approved by the FDA, and they are typically restricted to cases where all other treatments are not a viable option. However, they are often the best option for patients with brain tumors that cannot be treated by therapies or surgery.

Supportive care

Supportive care is often provided in addition to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or targeted therapy. Supportive care is a treatment designed to manage or alleviate the side effects the tumor causes. This may include (but is not limited to) anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medication, anti-seizure medication, and steroids. Palliative care services are helpful for many patients as well, which may include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, an exercise routine, and a healthy diet.

How your neuroscientist can determine the best treatment plan

Your neuroscientist will consider a variety of factors before making a treatment recommendation. These factors include the patient’s age, medical history, and overall health. Specific details of the cancer are also evaluated as well, such as the specific location, size, and type of the tumor. The patient’s preference also plays an integral role in the treatment recommendation provided as well.

Get in touch with our neuroscience team today

Have you been diagnosed with neurological cancer or have symptoms that you would like examined by a licensed neuroscientist? If so, then give us a call today to schedule a visit. We can assist with any necessary diagnostics and can help you put together a treatment plan that works for you.

Get more information here: https://www.brainandspineni.com or call Brain and Spine Neuroscience Institute at (813) 751-2029

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