LUNG-CANCER,-CAUSES,-CURE-AND-SIDE-EFFECTS-OF-SOME-METHODS-OF-CURE: (PART 2)

LUNG CANCER, CAUSES, CURE AND SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME METHODS OF CURE:

(PART 2)

Dave Ikiedei Asei

10/02/2023

In the last article, we have defined Lung cancer as a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and the primary causes of lung cancer as tobacco smoke, which contains numerous harmful chemicals that can damage the DNA of lung cells and cause mutations. 

We also took a look at some of the treatments of lung cancer. Today we shall continue with more of the treatment of lung cancer. It is very important that you know more about this very important organ in our bodies to enable us take precautionary measures against suffering from lung cancer.

Some of the additional treatments and side effects are-

RADIATION THERAPY:

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is delivered to the affected area using specialized equipment, such as a linear accelerator.

Radiation therapy can be delivered externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (from a radioactive source placed inside the body). The type of radiation therapy used depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as the patient's overall health.

External radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy and can be delivered in fractions over the course of several weeks. Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, is a type of radiation therapy where a small amount of radioactive material is placed inside the body near the cancer.

Radiation therapy can have side effects, such as fatigue, skin irritation, and decreased appetite, but these typically go away after treatment ends. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of radiation therapy and help you determine if it's the right treatment option for you.

Radiation therapy is typically delivered by a team of healthcare professionals that includes radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists. The treatment is usually given five days a week for several weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY:

Radiation therapy can cause side effects, including fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea, but these usually go away after treatment is finished. The side effects and their severity depend on the area of the body being treated, the dose of radiation, and the individual's overall health.

OTHER USES OF RADIATION THERAPY:

Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment and improve the chances of a cure. The decision to use radiation therapy as part of a cancer treatment plan is made on a case-by-case basis and depends on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences

CHEMOTHERAPY:

Chemotherapy is a type of medical treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy, to treat various types of cancer, including:

Leukemia

Lymphoma

Sarcoma

Carcinoma

Melanoma

Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to divide and grow. These drugs can be taken orally or intravenously and can target cells throughout the body, making chemotherapy a systemic treatment.

The side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type of drug, the dosage, and the individual, but common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection.

Chemotherapy is often a crucial component of cancer treatment and has been instrumental in increasing survival rates for many types of cancer. However, it's important to remember that every person's experience with chemotherapy is unique and that the treatment must be tailored to the individual based on their specific needs and medical history.

TARGETED THERAPY:

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells generally, targeted therapy selectively targets specific molecular or genetic changes unique to cancer cells.

TYPES OF TARGETED THERAPY:

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES:

These are laboratory-made substances that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful substances. They can be designed to attach to specific proteins on cancer cells, flagging them for destruction by the immune system.

SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITORS:

These are drugs that can enter cancer cells and interfere with specific molecular pathways involved in the growth and spread of cancer.

HOMONE THERAPY:

Hormone therapy is a type of targeted therapy used to treat cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer.

IMMUNE THERAPY:

This type of therapy helps to activate the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Targeted therapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to maximize its effectiveness and minimize side effects.

It's important to note that targeted therapy may not be effective for all types of cancer and that not all patients with a specific type of cancer will respond to the same targeted therapy.

IMMUNOTHERAPY:

Immunotherapy is a type of medical treatment that utilizes the body's immune system to fight diseases, such as cancer. The goal of immunotherapy is to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack diseased cells, such as cancer cells, that it would not normally target.

TYES OF IMMUNOTHERAPY:

There are several different types of immunotherapy, they are-

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES:

Laboratory-made molecules that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful invaders.

CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS:

Drugs that block certain proteins made by some types of cancer cells that prevent the immune system from attacking.

CANCER VACCINES:

Vaccines Treatments that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

ADOPTIVE CELL TRANSFER:

A process where a patient's own immune cells are taken from the body, modified to better recognize and attack cancer cells, and then returned to the body.

Immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Its success can vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health.

Overall, immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for many cancers and is a rapidly evolving field with new developments and treatments emerging all the time.

The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended. It is important for individuals to talk to their doctor about the best treatment plan for their specific situation.

To be continued.