What happens after a cancer diagnosis, and how do doctors decide which treatment is right for you? The answer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, where it has developed, its biological characteristics and the person’s overall health. Some cancers may be treated with surgery alone, while others may require a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or other approaches.
Modern cancer care focuses on creating an individualised treatment plan rather than following the same approach for every patient. Understanding the different treatment options can help patients and families have more informed discussions with their oncology team.
Why is cancer treatment individualised?
Before treatment begins, doctors generally evaluate the type and stage of cancer through clinical assessment, imaging, laboratory tests, biopsy and other investigations when appropriate.
The treatment plan is then developed based on the cancer’s characteristics and the patient’s individual circumstances. Two people with the same broad type of cancer may receive different treatment plans because their disease stage, tumour characteristics, medical history or response to treatment may differ.
Surgery
Surgery is an important treatment approach for many solid tumours. It involves removing the cancerous tissue and, in some situations, nearby tissues or lymph nodes may also be evaluated or removed.
The role of surgery depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Surgery may be used as the main treatment or combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or other treatments.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells and prevent them from growing and dividing. It may be used to treat a tumour directly, reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery or relieve symptoms in certain advanced cancers.
The type, dose and schedule of radiation treatment depend on the cancer type, its location and the treatment objective.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines that destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. It may be administered before surgery, after surgery, alongside other treatments or for advanced disease, depending on the cancer type and treatment plan.
Because chemotherapy can also affect some healthy cells, patients may experience side effects. The treating oncology team monitors patients throughout treatment and can recommend appropriate measures to manage these effects.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies are medicines designed to act on specific molecular changes or characteristics associated with cancer cells. They may be appropriate only when particular biomarkers or molecular features are present.
Testing the tumour for relevant biomarkers can therefore help doctors determine whether a targeted treatment may be suitable.
Targeted therapy is not appropriate for every cancer or every patient. Treatment decisions depend on the cancer’s specific molecular characteristics and other clinical factors.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system recognise or respond to cancer cells. It has become an important treatment option for selected cancers.
Different types of immunotherapy work in different ways, and their effectiveness varies by cancer type and individual patient factors.
Not every patient is suitable for immunotherapy. Specialist assessment and, in some cases, biomarker testing can help determine whether it may be an appropriate treatment option.
Multidisciplinary cancer care
Cancer treatment may involve several specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nutrition specialists and supportive-care teams.
For complex cases, multidisciplinary decision-making allows specialists to consider different aspects of the patient’s diagnosis and develop a coordinated treatment plan.
Patients looking for an Oncology Hospital in Bangalore may therefore consider factors such as the availability of different oncology specialities, diagnostic facilities, treatment options and supportive care.
A best hospital in Bangalore for cancer care should ultimately be considered based on the patient’s specific needs rather than a single ranking or label.
Sparsh Hospital provides oncology services across different areas of cancer care, with treatment planning based on the patient’s diagnosis and clinical requirements.
Cancer treatment continues to evolve, with new therapies and treatment combinations being studied and introduced. Qualified oncology professionals should always determine the most appropriate treatment after evaluating the individual’s cancer, overall health, and treatment goals.
