Types of Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment is complex. Many people with cancer need a combination of treatments. Medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes may play a role.¹

The goal of cancer treatment is to stop or slow cancer growth. Your healthcare team will want to reduce the risk of cancer returning. Treatment will also aim to ease cancer symptoms.²

Several healthcare providers will be involved in your care. Talk to them about the right treatment for you. This article covers common parts of a cancer treatment plan.

Who treats cancer?

A team of medical professionals works together to treat cancer. Your healthcare team will often include specialists, doctors, nurses, and other providers. They can all receive special training to meet your specific needs. They may have expertise in:³

• Specific types of cancer or cancer treatments
• Certain parts of the body
• Health problems related to cancer
• Healthcare management and coordination

Medical doctors who specialize in cancer are called oncologists. They may lead treatment decisions. Other specialists may be involved. Hematologist-oncologists treat blood cancers. Radiation oncologists use radiation to treat cancer.³

Nurses also provide care during treatment. A clinical nurse specialist may manage care, provide support, and advise on treatment decisions. Nurses with advanced training work with the entire care team.³

Other professionals may be on the team. A case manager may coordinate care and work with the insurance company. You may see dietitians, genetic counselors, and physical therapists.³

Common words used in cancer treatment

You may hear your healthcare team use these words to describe your treatment:²

• Primary treatment – main treatment used to kill cancer cells
• Adjuvant treatment – therapy added after the primary treatment to reduce the risk of cancer returning
• Neoadjuvant treatment – therapy to shrink a tumor before your primary treatment
• Local treatment – therapy that removes or destroys cancer cells in a specific body part
• Systemic treatment – therapy that destroys cancer cells throughout the body

Surgery

Surgery directly removes cancer cells. Surgery is the most common primary treatment for cancer that has not spread.^2,4

During the procedure, surgeons will attempt to remove the entire tumor. They also remove some nearby healthy tissue. Surgery is the best treatment for sending cancer that has not spread into remission. This means there are no signs or symptoms of cancer.^2,4

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells with high doses of radiation. It is often used to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation may come from a machine outside your body. It can also come from pellets planted near a tumor.^2,4

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (“chemo”) uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemo is a common treatment for cancer that has spread. It is also common for cancer that has returned.^2,4

You may get more than 1 chemo drug. Chemo drugs may also be combined with other treatments. Chemo is often used before or after surgery.^2,4

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy targets hormones that help cancer cells grow. These hormones include androgen and estrogen. Blocking them may stop or slow down cancer cell growth.^2,4

Hormone therapy is commonly used to treat some types of prostate and breast cancer. Your healthcare provider will typically perform tests to see if hormone therapy is right for you.^2,4

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts your own immune system to destroy cancer cells. Your immune system is a natural defense system against germs and other threats. Cancer cells can hide from this system. Immunotherapy can prevent cancer cells from escaping.^2,4

Immunotherapy is often combined with other treatments. It is a common part of treatment for cancer that has spread or returned.^2,4

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy blocks unique features of cancer cells. Cancer cells develop genetic changes that allow them to grow fast. Targeted therapy blocks proteins that fuel cancer cell growth.^2,4

Not every type of cancer will respond to targeted therapy. Your healthcare provider will typically perform tests to see if targeted therapy is right for you.^2,4

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of treatment. It can improve health outcomes and make it easier to manage cancer. Lifestyle changes may include:⁵

• Keeping your weight within a healthy range
• Staying active
• Following a healthy diet
• Avoiding alcohol

Complementary and integrative medicine

Complementary medicine uses therapies outside of standard care. They are combined with standard treatment. They do not replace standard treatment.⁶

Integrative medicine is an approach that combines standard and complementary treatments. This strategy prioritizes your personal preference. Integrative medicine can:⁶

• Help you cope with the side effects of cancer treatment
• Ease the stress of cancer treatment
• Give you a sense of control

Most complementary therapies need more research. Talk to your healthcare team before using them. Some complementary therapies include:⁶

• Relaxation practices, such as meditation and yoga
• Vitamins and supplements
• Home remedies and herbal products
• Massage and acupuncture
• Traditional healing systems

Emerging treatments

Cancer treatments continue to get better. Survival rates are improving. New therapies may cause fewer side effects. First-line treatments are emerging for rare cancers.^7,8

Researchers are finding new, unique features of cancer cells. This is making it possible to understand what is causing your specific cancer cells to grow. Healthcare teams can then design treatments that address those specific features. This is called personalized or precision medicine. Personalized treatments aim to work better and potentially cause fewer side effects.^7,8