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Every year more than 18 million people develop cancer worldwide. At the same time, the prognosis for recovery depends on timely diagnosis, proper oncotherapy, and the stage of development of the disease. In this article we will explain in detail about methods used to treat cancer in the later stages, as well as how effective these are.
METHODS OF CANCER TREATMENT IN STAGE 3 AND STAGE 4
Treatment of cancer in stage 3 and 4 is a difficult and complex task, which is better managed in foreign medical centers.
These medical centers use modern methods of dealing with the pathology,use of latest medications and equipment of the latest generation.
Recovery or sustained remission in stage 3 cancer is observed in 62% of cancer patients, while in stage 4 cancer patients, the five-year survival rate does not exceed 12%.
Looking at these facts, it is safe to say that the choice of treatment method is the main criterion of victory over such a deadly disease as oncology.
TREATMENT OF STAGE 3 CANCER
In stage 3 cancer, the active development of the tumor continues. There are metastases, as well as spread in the nearest organs and tissues. The choice of treatment methods during this phase depends on the location of the malignant neoplasm, the degree of its differentiation and the general condition of the patient. Main methods of cancer therapy in stage 3 are:
SURGICAL INTERVENTION
Surgery is one of the main treatments for cancer in stage 3. It allows the surgeon to remove the mother tumor or significantly reduce its size. In foreign clinics, such therapy is carried out with the help of robotic systems, in particular the Da Vinci robot, or laparoscopic devices, which reduce the risks of postoperative complications making it possible to significantly reduce patient’s recovery time.
IMMUNOTHERAPY
A modern method of treating cancer, which involves the stimulation of the natural forces of the immune system, aimed at fighting the tumor. It is divided into active and passive forms. Active immunotherapy enhances the immunity of the oncological patient to “attack” the cancer cells and destroy them, while the passive one improves and supports the anti-tumor capabilities of the immune system.
CHEMOTHERAPY
The method of treating cancer in the later stages is based on the destruction of rapidly dividing cells, and in particular cancerous cells, by means of special chemicals. Chemo sessions are conducted, duration of which depends on the severity of the process. Often used in conjunction with surgery.
Chemotherapy has a destructive effects not only on the cells affected by the tumor, but also on some healthy cells. In the case of multifocal cancer, this method is the only effective way to fight cancer.
Chemotherapy is used to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery or laser therapy and to remove tumor cells remaining after surgery. It allows to significantly improve the results of previous treatments for cancer, as well as fight against recurrences and metastasis of the tumor.
RADIOTHERAPY
Removal of the tumor through a powerful gamma-ray beam. The tumor itself is exposed to radiation and areas of regional metastasis. This therapy is carried out both targeted and as high-dose methods.
External Beam radiation therapy (EBRT) involves the use of an external source of radio emission, which is located outside the patient’s body.
High-dose radiotherapy (HDRB) involves the use of a gamma-ray source that is implanted directly into the patient’s body: placed near the tumor or in the neoplasm itself.
One of the most popular methods of radiotherapy is IMRT RAPID Arc (intensity modulated radiation therapy). It makes it possible to direct the entire radiation dose only to the cells affected by cancer, without affecting healthy tissues.
TARGET THERAPY
This is a drug therapy for cancer, which is based on the use of targeted drugs.
These drugs “target” the malignant cells and destroy them. At the same time, healthy cells are not damaged.
Targeted therapy reduces tumor growth and prevents its division. It can be used as an independent method of treatment, or in combination with chemotherapy. It is important to know that target therapy is not available in many developing countries. There are no certified targeted drugs, as well as standards for their use, which is a consequence of the lack of experience with this therapy.
CRYOTHERAPY
Minimally invasive method of destroying cells by applying low temperatures (from -90 to -150 degrees). It contributes to the instantaneous “freezing” of the tumor and the formation of necrotic processes in its tissues. Cryotherapy also has a negative effect on the blood vessels that feed the cancer cells.
This cancer treatment method is carried out using a cryoprobe with a needle applicator through which liquid nitrogen or argon is supplied. Cryotherapy can be both an independent method of treatment of cancer, and as an additional. The latter is used in the event that “remnants” of the tumor or recurrences were found.
WHAT CAN BE DONE IN STAGE 4?
Cancer in stage 4 is an irreversible process of the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. Cure of this pathology is based on the maintenance of vital body functions and anesthetic therapy. The main tasks of medical professionals who deal with such patients are:
- Maintaining the normal functioning of the nervous system and organs of the cancer patient;
- Inhibiting the spread of a tumor in the body;
- Reducing the growth rate of the tumor and delaying the progression of a malignant neoplasm.
Following methods are adopted to alleviate the condition of the patient in stage 4 cancer: Chemo, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and palliative surgery. As a rule, these types of treatment are used in a complex to produce the maximum possible effect.
Foreign medical institutes are constantly developing and improving the methods of treating malignant neoplasms in the later stages, which make it possible to prolong the life of cancer patients for up to year or more, and also significantly improve its quality. It is important that some of the patients who received such treatment retain their ability to work and can communicate freely with family and friends.
BREAKTHROUGH IN ONCOLOGY: SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF THE TERMINAL STAGE CANCER
In 2018, the whole world was shocked by the news that scientists from the United States of America were able to beat breast cancer at the 4th (terminal) stage. This was made possible by the drug, created from the patient’s own immune cells – 49-year-old Judy Perkins.
About 90 billion of treated immune cells were transplanted to her, which “cracked down” on cancer and left no trace of it.
It is important to mention that Judy’s oncologists predicted that she wouldn’t live for more than three months, because the woman had multiple metastases till the size of a tennis ball. But Judy Perkins won over the disease and she has been living happily for over 2 years now.
The technology with which the American coped with cancer is called “living medicine”. Today it is experimental, therefore it needs extensive testing. Who knows, maybe tomorrow we will get an effective cure for terrible cancer!
WHERE ARE CANCERS IN LATER STAGES TREATED ABROAD?
Effective cancer treatment at stages 3 and 4 is carried out in Israel, Turkey, Germany, Spain, South Korea, etc. Top clinics in this area are:
- Sourasky Medical Center “Ichilov” (Israel, Tel Aviv);
- Assuta Medical Center (Tel Aviv, Israel);
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer, Israel);
- Memorial Hospital Group (Turkey, Istanbul);
- Anadolu Medical Center (Turkey, Istanbul);
- University Hospital of Munich Ludwig Maximilian (Germany, Munich);
- Rechts der Isar Hospital (Germany, Munich);
- University Clinic of Navarra (Spain, Pamplona);
- Samsung Medical Center (South Korea, Seoul).
To choose a clinic and a doctor for cancer treatment abroad, use the services of global medicine platform MediGlobus. Our specialists will contact the necessary medical center as soon as possible and will help resolve all organizational issues.
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