Cancer Treatments Become More Targeted: Oncologists Evaluate Treatment Options

By Christine Bude

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has concluded their big annual meeting. According to reports one of the big topics of the meeting was using targeted drugs for cancer instead of massive usage of chemotherapy on cancer patients.

Targeted cancer therapies use drugs that block the growth of spread of cancer. Targeted drugs interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer and tumor growth. According to The National Cancer institute website (cancer.gov) ,. "By focusing on molecular and cellular changes that are specific to cancer, targeted cancer therapies may be more effective than current treatments and less harmful to normal cells".

Targeted cancer therapies have been in clinical trials. Some therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations. (FDA). The targeted therapies are being studied for use alone, in combination with each other or in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

People who have had cancer are familiar with the most common treatments for cancer, which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation,. Every cancer is different and is best treated with individualized treatments. Patients must rely on their doctors to advise the best possible treatments.

Cancer is many different diseases. Each different disease requires a different treatment protocol. Cancer of the breast requires a different treatment regiment than,cancer of the colon. The actual cancers, or tumors are actually very different from each other and respond to different treatments.

Chemotherapy is chemical therapy. There are many different chemicals used to fight cancer. The type of chemical used depends on what type of cancer a patient has.

Administering chemotherapy is a very complicated process. The doctors must decide which type of chemical can fight the cancer, Chemotherapy targets all fast growing cells, not just the cancer cells. The strong chemotherapy treatment can have side effects form unpleasant to severely debilitating, depending upon many factors. Chemotherapy is used to kill tumors, including cancer cells that are microscopic, too small to be detected in tests.

Sides effects of chemotherapy include weakened immune system, nausea, hair loss, weakness, fatigue and more. Some people experience stronger side effects than others.

Doctors have long known that chemotherapy is more effective on some types of cancers than others. oncologists prescribe chemotherapy because, up to now, it's the best chance they have of fighting the spread of cancer cells.

According to Reuters (today.reuters.com), Oncologists are coming closer to predicting which patients can skip the chemotherapy and avoid the side effects.

Treatments called targeted cancer treatments are 'drugs that attack or bind to a specific molecule or part of a molecule, such as one that triggers tumor growth or controls blood flow, have been around for several years'. (today.Reuters.com).

The American Society of Clinical Oncology just finished their annual meeting. it was reported by experts that 'What emerged as a theme at this year's meeting is these drugs' effectiveness in more types of the disease' according to Reuters.

Dr. Kim Lyerly, Director of the Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center was quoted by Reuters, 'Ten years ago it was all about chemo. This time you walk down the convention center and it's all about new targets. And we can get more mileage out of these drugs if we can predict who will respond.'

Cancer researchers and oncologists are continuing to strive toward the most effect cancer treatments, with hopes of eliminated the cancer while reducing the bad side effects.

The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, consult with a medical professional.

www.associatedcontent.com