Cancer Treatment Methods and Surgical Procedures

Cancer Treatment Modalities

The basis of cancer treatment lies in the elimination of tumors through surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is anticarcinogenic. Certain drugs act directly on DNA, such as oxaliplatin, anthracyclines, and cyclophosphamide. Others, like taxanes and vinblastine, interact with mitotic spindle formation. Common side effects can include hair loss or effects on leukocytes.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is based on the stimulation of the immune system to trigger a response against tumors. Approaches include the use of interferon alpha, which can reduce tumor growth; vaccines using antigens present in cancer cells to stimulate immune defense; and monoclonal antibodies.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells by producing alterations in their DNA. Types include external radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy.

Surgery

Surgery involves direct manipulation of the organism to establish an accurate diagnosis, repair anatomical damage to organs, and cure the disease. Anesthesia has allowed interventions without pain.

Types of Surgical Procedures

General Surgery

Operations performed on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen, pancreas, and breast.

Cardiac Surgery

To correct cardiac pathologies.

Neurosurgery

Treatment of nervous system disorders and their protective coverings.

Vascular Surgery

Intervention on damaged blood vessels and lymphatics.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Treats disorders of the mouth, face, and neck.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Repairs damage from accidents or injuries.

Orthopedic Surgery

Deals with damage to bones, joints, and muscles.

Pediatric Surgery

Corrects diseases or disorders of children.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Arthroscopy and laparoscopy are interventions performed in joints and the abdominal cavity.

Cardiac Catheterization

Involves accessing the heart through a tube.

Fetal Surgery

Surgical interventions performed on fetuses inside the womb.

Transplantation

Transplantation is a surgical technique intended to replace an organ or tissue irreversibly damaged with another from a donor.

Types of Transplants

• Autotransplantation

  Transplanted tissues from the same individual.

• Syngeneic Transplantation

  Transplanted tissues or organs from a genetically identical individual of the same species.

• Allotransplantation

  The donor and recipient are individuals of the same species but genetically different.

• Xenotransplantation

  The donor and recipient are individuals belonging to different species.

Transplant Rejection

Transplant rejection is a response triggered by the body's immune system, which is capable of recognizing antigens in the cells of the transplanted organ and attempts to destroy it.