Chemotherapy is one of the most significant cancer treatments. But, it can cause some side effects in certain cases. Alongside chemotherapy, doctors are therefore exploring alternative therapies such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments don’t replace chemotherapy but work complementarily to target cancer cells precisely and reduce side effects. Get to know more about them.
Alternative Therapies to Complement Chemotherapy
Below, a reputed cancer doctor shares valuable insights on alternative therapies that complement chemotherapy.
- Targeted Therapy: This treatment helps target cancer molecules involved in cancer spread and growth. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous cells and healthy cells, targeted therapy attacks cancer cells more precisely to minimize the impact on normal cells.
Targeted therapy blocks the growth of cancer cells or monoclonal antibodies that target certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells. Targeted therapy complements chemotherapy to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment, particularly for those cancers linked to genetic mutations.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Instead of targeting cancer cells directly, immunotherapy strengthens the body’s defenses to fight cancer in a more effective manner. Some immunotherapy treatments, like immune checkpoint inhibitors, prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system while stimulating the immune cells to fight tumours.
Immunotherapy has shown its effectiveness in treating cancers that were previously difficult to treat, such as blood cancers, lung cancer and melanoma. With chemotherapy, immunotherapy can increase the body’s ability to fight cancer while minimizing the need for high doses of chemotherapy. - Radiation Therapy: In comparison to chemotherapy, radiation therapy is mainly localized. This makes it a powerful treatment for cancer in specific areas. It can be used along with chemotherapy to treat to reduce the size of tumours and prevent cancer recurrence. Radiation therapy is usually used in the treatment of head and neck cancers, chest, brain and pelvis. In combination with chemotherapy, its effectiveness can increase, and cancer cells can become more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.
- Integrated Therapies for Optimal Results: As per a cancer doctor, chemotherapy along with radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy can improve treatment outcomes. Working together, they reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, prevent cancer recurrence and help eliminate cancer cells.
When combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy provide successful outcomes for cancer patients. If you are suffering from cancer and are interested to know more about these treatments, consult our chemotherapy doctor in Kolkata.