Oncology

What Treatment Methods Does the Medical Oncology Unit Apply in Cancer Treatment?

During the treatment stages, cancer is effectively combated with applications such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, target-focused biological therapy, algology, supportive treatments, or immunotherapy. Hospitalization for treatment is possible when necessary. Particularly, advancements in technological capabilities have increased the efficiency of chemotherapy and other methods. Smart drug therapies are currently administered on a personalized basis. Throughout the treatment, expertise from oncologists to nutritionists and psychologists is utilized.

Chemotherapy

It is one of the most common methods used in cancer treatments. Chemotherapy is known as drug therapy for cancer. The main aim here is to completely stop cancer cells, which are growing uncontrollably. Drugs with different mechanisms of action are combined to kill cancer cells. Since its use from the mid-20th century, chemotherapy has made significant progress. Numerous chemotherapeutic drugs are used to attempt to stop the progression of cancer, providing an advantage before surgical intervention. These drugs are produced for different types of cancer.

The side effects of chemotherapy, a chemical treatment method, include hair loss, loss of appetite, mouth sores, fever, bruising on the skin, among others. As the spread of cancer is halted, decreases in drug doses may occur. Prolonged chemotherapy can cause serious damage to some organs. Some of these damages may include heart and kidney problems or lung tissue damage.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, like chemotherapy, is one of the cancer treatment methods employed. The most important difference from chemotherapy is that biological support takes precedence over drug therapy. The basic goal is to increase the body’s defense against cancer. In some cases, immunotherapy affects beneficial cells rather than cancer cells. In such cases, patients may experience the side effects of treatment. Immunotherapy is also known as immunotherapy.

Algology

Algology is generally referred to as “pain treatment.” Pain experienced in cancer diseases can be at an incomparable level compared to other types of pain. Algology methods come into play for the treatment of chronic or undetermined cause pains. Especially when chronic pains are involved, almost all treatment types can be used together. Creams, lotions, or sprays applied to the painful area can provide highly effective results.

In addition to these common methods in cancer treatments, hormone therapies, target-focused biological therapies, symptomatic treatments, nutrition/diet regulation, or supportive psychological treatment methods can be mentioned. We wish everyone healthy days ahead.

Symptomatic Treatment

The aim of symptomatic treatment is to alleviate the symptoms and signs of a disease without completely treating the disease itself. While the primary goal of this treatment is the patient’s comfort, it also prevents symptoms from leading to other diseases. Since cancer treatment often leads to many side effects, the resulting symptoms are quite diverse. Symptomatic treatment can be applied to help patients better cope with symptoms resulting from cancer treatment. For diseases like avian flu or swine flu, which do not have a direct cure, symptomatic treatment is generally applied. Pain in the body may result from a disease, but using painkillers aims to treat the symptom caused by the disease rather than the disease itself. Additionally, using anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate inflammation causing joint pain or using cough medicines or syrups to treat coughing during flu or cold can be examples of symptomatic treatment. Similarly, applying antihistamines in allergy diseases is also an example of this. It is also possible to use multiple drugs to eliminate symptoms. However, symptomatic treatment is often not a complete solution. Since the cause of the disease cannot be determined, delaying the treatment of the actual disease can result.

Nutrition and Diet

Cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably and rapidly in the body. One of the most important reasons for cancer diseases is nutrition. Unhealthy eating habits, excessive consumption of unhealthy fats, and sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, regular and healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle are prerequisites for a healthy life. Sweeteners and unhealthy sugars used today contribute to the nutrition of cancer cells. Thus, the spread of cancer cells, which already proliferate uncontrollably and rapidly, accelerates further. Nutrition and diet are also crucial after the emergence of cancer. Most cancer treatments cause loss of appetite. Consequently, the patient starts to consume insufficient food, weakening the already weak immune system. It is necessary to eat sufficiently, healthily, and balancedly during cancer treatment to strengthen the body’s immunity and make cancer treatment more effective.

Psychological Treatment and Support

Cancer significantly weakens the human body physically. Serious side effects such as hair loss and bruising affect the patient’s psychology negatively. Cancer patients may have to cope with emotions such as fear, anxiety, panic, helplessness, and depressive mood. Moreover, studies have revealed that psychological disorders directly affect the human immune system. Therefore, the patient may need psychological support during cancer treatment. The patient should not be left alone during cancer treatment, constantly supported by family and friends, and receive professional support from expert psychologists. Oncology patients can receive special support from the psycho-oncology department, which deals with the psychology of cancer patients. In some cases, it is important for family members of the patient to benefit from this support as well. Thus, cancer treatment becomes more effective, and the patient experiences a more comfortable treatment process.

Radiosurgery Applications Performed in Radiation Oncology Clinics

Surgical procedures performed using radiation beams are called radiosurgery applications. With these applications, malignant tumors of appropriate structure can be removed from the body, just like in a surgical operation, using specific techniques. As in radiotherapy procedures, the aim of radiosurgery is to treat cancer. State-of-the-art technology devices offered by advances in medical technology are utilized in radiosurgery applications. Radiosurgery procedures can be performed by selecting the appropriate device among state-of-the-art devices such as CyberKnife M6, Tomotherapy, EDGE, MR-LINAC, Trilogy, TrueBeam, Gamma Knife. Radiosurgery applications using ionizing radiation involve different techniques. The decision on which technique to apply is made by evaluating many factors together, such as the patient’s condition, the location of the tumour, and the extent of spread. The most commonly used techniques among these are as follows:

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS):

In stereotactic radiosurgery application, cancerous cells designated as the target are coordinated in three dimensions, and then completely destroyed in a single session using high-dose radiation beams. Applying the procedure under imaging methods (IGRT) increases the selectivity of the targeted tissue, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT):

In stereotactic radiotherapy application, the target cancerous tissue is destroyed in 3-4 sessions instead of a single session, unlike SRS, using lower radiation doses. With this method, a more precise procedure can be performed on the targeted tissue, ensuring a high level of preservation of healthy tissues.

If you have been diagnosed with an oncological disease as well, you can apply to our partner hospitals for a detailed examination, undergo necessary diagnostic tests, and learn at what stage your disease is. By evaluating the findings obtained by specialist physicians, you can determine your treatment plan and start the necessary applications early. In this way, like many others, you can take your steps to overcoming cancer.

If you have any health problems falling under the expertise of our medical oncology departments, you can request an appointment from our relevant department for your routine check-ups and treatment procedures. By regularly undergoing your checks related to your illness and showing the necessary sensitivity to the treatment plan recommended by your physician, you can receive treatment at an early stage, preventing more serious complications in the future.

This content has been contributed by the partner clinics of Pharmalps.

The content of the page is for informational purposes only. Elements containing information about therapeutic health services are not included in the page content. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatments we offer are:

Lymphoma, leukaemia

Breast cancer
Brain cancer
Lung cancer
Stomach cancer
Colon cancer
Melanoma
Sarcomas
Head and neck cancers
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Skin cancer
Larynx cancer
Gynaecological cancers
Bladder cancer
Childhood tumours
Lymphomas
Digestive system cancers
Soft tissue tumours
Rectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer

Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in cancer.

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