What is Cancer Treatment used for?
Cancer treatments are used to cure, shrink, or slow the progression of cancer. They can also be used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. The specific treatment or combination of treatments used depends on the individual's situation and the type of cancer. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, targeted drug therapy, cryoablation, or radiofrequency ablation, among others. Treatments may be used as primary treatment, adjuvant therapy, or neoadjuvant therapy. The goal of cancer treatment is to achieve a cure, if possible, or to manage the cancer and its symptoms.
How are Cancer Treatment results reported?
Cancer treatment results are typically reported using various measures such as:
- Complete Response (CR): All signs of cancer have disappeared, and the tumor has shrunk or disappeared entirely.
- Partial Response (PR): The cancer has shrunk or decreased in size but hasn't disappeared completely.
- Stable Disease (SD): The cancer has not grown or spread, but it also hasn't shrunk or disappeared.
- Progressive Disease (PD): The cancer has grown or spread, indicating that the treatment is not working effectively. These responses are often reported in conjunction with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates. PFS is the time during which the cancer does not progress, while OS is the overall length of time a patient lives after their diagnosis. Doctors and medical teams use these measurements to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make decisions regarding future treatment plans. It is essential to discuss these results with your healthcare provider to understand the implications for your specific situation.
Understanding the report
Cancer treatment results are interpreted by evaluating the response of the cancer cells to the specific treatment, as well as assessing the overall health and well-being of the patient. The effectiveness of cancer treatment is typically measured by factors such as tumor size reduction, the absence of cancerous cells in the body, and the patient's overall quality of life. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment goals may vary, with some treatments aiming to cure, others to shrink or slow the progression of the cancer, and others to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. The interpretation of cancer treatment results is a collaborative process between the patient and their healthcare team, as they work together to determine the most appropriate course of action based on the individual's unique situation.