Treatment

There are four major approaches to cancer treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. These modalities are often used together with additive or synergistic effects. Surgery and radiation therapy are most effective in curing localized tumors and together result in the cure of about 40% of all newly diagnosed cases. Once the cancer has spread to regional nodes or distant sites, it is generally incurable with the use of local therapies alone. Systemic administration of a combination of chemotherapeutic agents may cure another 10–15% of all patients.

Relieving the symptoms of cancer and alleviating the side effects of agents used to treat it is another important aspect of treatment. Many agents and interventions are available for these purposes. Pharmacologic agents can control nausea and vomiting. Various strategies are available to control pain, improve appetite, and combat insomnia and mood changes. Surgical procedures and radiological techniques can palliate many of the complications of cancer that formerly were incapacitating. Even when the hope for a cure has dwindled, the oncologist can relieve much suffering.