The major types of cancer therapy include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and blood and marrow transplant. Some people are under the impression that using more than one therapy at a time indicates a more serious type of cancer. Actually, these therapies are often used in combination to ensure the best treatment results.

Patients with cancer are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include a medical oncologist, a surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a diagnostic radiologist, pathologist, oncology nurses, social workers and others.

The types of therapies that are used depend on several factors:

• Type of cancer: Some tumors are more sensitive to radiation; others respond better to chemotherapy.
• Location of the tumor: Some tumors can be removed surgically.
• Extent or stage of the disease: Whether it has spread from the original spot

Some patients take part in a clinical trial or research study using new treatment methods. Such studies are designed to improve cancer treatment.

Preparing for Treatment

Many people with cancer want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. Often, it helps to make a list of questions to ask the doctor. Patients may take notes, or with the doctor's consent, tape record the discussion. Some patients also find it helps to have a family member or friend with them when they talk with the doctor to take part in the discussion, take notes or just to listen. Each of the following treatment sections includes a list of questions you may want to ask your health care provider.

Some patients also choose to seek a second opinion before starting their treatment. Managing side effects of treatment is one concern and managing pain is another.

As part of your cancer treatment, you may need to receive a blood transfusion. If you or your family member/friend would like or are able to donate blood, please be advised this is an eight-day process. Contact your health care providers (physician/nurse) if you want to donate blood before your cancer treatment.

On this page:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Blood and Marrow Transplant

Surgery

Generally, surgery is done when the cancer is in a limited area.

Sometimes, the goal is to remove the whole tumor and achieve cure. At other times, the surgeon removes the largest portion of tumor so other treatment options can work better.

Finally, surgery can be used to make the patient more comfortable, such as removing a blockage of the bowel.

 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is the use of high-energy X-rays to treat cancer. Radiation destroys the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide. Both normal and cancer cells are affected by radiation, but most normal cells recover or repair themselves.

Radiation therapy can treat tumors located in a specific area. Sometimes, radiation helps control the symptoms from a tumor that has spread. For example, pain can be relieved by shrinking a tumor pressing on nerves or causing a blockage somewhere.

Radiation can also be used in certain instances for whole body irradiation, such as for bone marrow transplantation.

More about radiation therapy:

• "Attacking Cancer with Radiation," a Health Talk & You article published by the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center
• Radiation Therapy Fact Sheets, National Cancer Institute
• RT Answers: Answers to Your Radiation Therapy Questions, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals or medicines to treat cancers. Because chemotherapy is generally transported through the blood, it can treat cancers that have spread or are suspected of spreading some distance from the starting place.

More about chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy and You, National Cancer Institute

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that enhances the body's ability to recognize cancer cells and destroy them. The body's immune system can usually destroy or help destroy most infections or other invaders like cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or by subcutaneous injection.

More about immunotherapy:

• Immunotherapy, Transplant Biology and Therapy Research Program
• Biological Therapy, National Cancer Institute

Blood and Marrow Transplant

High dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy can destroy your bone marrow's ability to make new blood cells. A blood or marrow transplant can be used to replace your marrow stem cells which produce blood cells.

More about blood and marrow transplant:

• University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, Blood and Marrow Transplant Services
• Bone Marrow Transplantation and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Questions and Answers, National Cancer Institute