Understanding Targeted Cancer Treatments: Everything You Need to Know

 

Cancer poses a significant challenge to human health due to its complexity and the fact that traditional treatments often struggle to address its various forms. However, targeted therapies have changed the game by providing personalized medicine tailored to each cancer's unique characteristics.


These therapies are a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, precisely targeting specific molecular pathways that drive tumor growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies disrupt only the abnormal pathways in cancer cells. For More Information, you can consult Dr. Dodul Mondal, the best cancer specialist in Delhi. He specializes in cancer treatment and radiation oncologists. He is working as the Director at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket Delhi. Dr. Dodul Mondal is skilled in treating various types of cancer, including lung, kidney, liver, ovarian, breast, stomach, head & neck cancers, and more, Dr. Mondal’s extensive expertise has led to successful outcomes for many facing cancer challenges.

They target different aspects of cancer biology, such as signaling pathways, gene mutations, and interactions within the tumor environment. For example, some drugs inhibit enzymes like tyrosine kinases, which control cell growth, while others exploit specific mutations in cancer cells.

One of their main benefits is their ability to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, reducing the side effects often seen with chemotherapy. They also help overcome resistance to traditional treatments, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Targeted therapies have shown significant success in treating various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and leukemia. For instance, HER2-targeted therapies have greatly improved outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, and EGFR inhibitors have become standard for certain types of non-small cell lung cancer.

Breast Cancer Surgery: Past and Present

 

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that affects women worldwide, accounting for about 13.5% of all cancer cases in India. It is increasingly affecting younger women as well. Surgery is the main treatment for localized breast cancer, often combined with other therapies like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation. Over the years, there have been significant advancements in breast surgery aimed at improving patients' quality of life and ensuring their safety.

In the past, most women with breast cancer underwent mastectomy (removal of the breast). However, now, 50-70% of patients can have breast conservation surgery, where only the tumor and surrounding area are removed, preserving the breast. This is possible for many early breast cancers and some locally advanced cases with the appropriate use of chemotherapy before surgery.

Oncoplastic surgery principles are used to maintain the breast's appearance and feel as normal as possible after tumor removal. This involves surgical planning and using nearby fat to fill the defect created by tumor removal, preserving the breast's shape and size.

Whole breast reconstruction is offered to women undergoing mastectomy. It involves creating an artificial breast mound resembling a natural breast using the patient's own fat or muscle, with or without an implant. This surgery can be done during cancer surgery. Nipple and skin-sparing mastectomy, where the breast tissue is removed while saving the skin envelope and/or nipple, is also an option for some women.

There has been a shift from complete axillary lymph node dissection (removal of all lymph glands in the armpit) to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in selected cases. SLNB allows for the removal of a few draining nodes, reducing the risk of side effects like arm stiffness and swelling (lymphedema). Newer procedures like LYMPHA are also being used to reduce the chances of lymphedema by connecting lymphatic vessels to veins during nodal surgery.

All these advancements have helped ensure that women with breast cancer can be cancer-free and safe while minimizing major changes in their bodies. The journey of a cancer patient is challenging, but with these medical and surgical developments, most patients can have minimal scars and side effects and retain a close to 'normal' quality of life and body image after treatment.

Before undergoing any cancer treatment, it is crucial to consult with a radiation oncologist. If you are seeking the best oncologist in Delhi, you can Book an Oncologist Appointment. Dr. Dodul Mondal, who currently serves as the Director of Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, Delhi.

Learning about Blood cancer and the signs it shows

Blood cancer happens when cells in your blood grow out of control. It starts in the tissues where blood is made, like the bone marrow and lymphatic system. There are different types, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It's a big health concern worldwide, with over 1.3 million cases reported in 2020. Treatments include things like stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. The treatment you get depends on the kind and stage of the cancer. Before undergoing any cancer treatment, it is crucial to consult with a radiation oncologist. If you are seeking the best oncologist in Delhi, you can Book an Oncologist Appointment. Dr. Dodul Mondal, who currently serves as the Director of Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, Delhi.

Signs of Blood Cancer

The signs of blood cancer can differ depending on the type, but here are some common ones to watch out for:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign, especially if it's more than 10% of your body weight in six months.

2. Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, which can be because there aren't enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body.

3. Bone/Joint Pain: Pain in your bones or joints, especially at night or when you're active, might be a symptom.

4. Frequent Fever And Chills: Having fevers and chills often, even if they come and go, could be a sign of something wrong.

5. Headaches: Headaches, especially if they're caused by increased pressure inside your skull, could be a symptom.

6. Night Sweats: Sweating a lot at night, even if it's not hot, could be a sign of blood cancer.

7. Shortness Of Breath: Feeling out of breath, especially with just a little bit of activity, could be a sign of anemia or other issues.

8. Frequent Infections: Getting infections often, like respiratory or urinary tract infections, might mean your immune system isn't working right.

9. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin could be a sign of blood cancer.

10. Easy Bruising And Bleeding: Bruising easily or bleeding a lot from small cuts could be a sign that something's wrong with your blood.

11. Abdominal Discomfort: Feeling full or uncomfortable in your belly could be a sign of an enlarged spleen or liver.

12. Skin Changes: Changes in your skin, like red or purple patches, itching, or small bumps, might be a sign of blood cancer.

13. Cognitive Changes: If you're having trouble with memory, focus, or thinking clearly, it could be a sign that blood cancer has spread to your brain or nervous system.