When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. It's important to understand the different types of treatments available and to find a center that offers the best care. From surgery to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to newer techniques such as interventional radiology and immunotherapy, there are many options for cancer treatment. Here, we'll discuss the different treatments available and how to find the best care for your needs. Some people with cancer will only receive one treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
However, most people undergo a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is known as multimodal therapy. It's important to talk to your doctor about the types of treatment you can receive and what to expect during and after treatment. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available.
It's important to find a center that offers the treatment you need. Learn more about clinical trials at MD Anderson and search our database for open studies. Advances in cancer treatment are taking place every day at MD Anderson. Learn more about the cancer treatment options available to you, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and other advanced therapies. Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread. If a cure is not possible, treatments can be used to reduce the size of the cancer or slow the growth of the cancer and allow you to live without symptoms for as long as possible.
The goal of primary treatment is to completely eliminate cancer from the body or to kill all cancer cells. The goal of adjuvant therapy is to kill any cancer cells that may remain after primary treatment to reduce the chance that the cancer will recur. If your cancer is particularly sensitive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, you may receive one of these therapies as your primary treatment. It's important to talk to your doctor about all of your options so that you can make an informed decision about your care.