How cancer treatments work, in plain language
Once the diagnosis and molecular profile are clear, Dr Sneha builds a plan that may draw on one or more of the treatments below, often in combination, always with your overall health and preferences taken into account.
Discuss your options at SpashtaChemotherapy, oral and intravenous
Chemotherapy uses medicines that act on rapidly dividing cells. It remains a core part of treatment for many cancers and can be given in different ways:
- Intravenous (infusion): given through a vein, usually in a day-care setting over a planned number of cycles
- Oral (tablets): some regimens can be taken at home, with regular review
- Combination regimens: two or more drugs used together, chosen for your cancer type and stage
Dr Sneha tailors each regimen to your diagnosis and overall health and monitors progress closely so that treatment is delivered as safely and comfortably as possible.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies act on the specific molecular features of a cancer: the mutations, proteins or pathways driving a particular tumour. Because they are directed at the mechanisms fuelling the disease, they can often work while causing less harm to healthy tissue. Dr Sneha prescribes targeted therapy for solid and haematological cancers when molecular testing identifies a change that a treatment can act on.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body's own immune system recognise and act against cancer cells. Approaches include:
- Monoclonal antibodies: laboratory-made proteins that attach to targets on cancer cells
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors: medicines that release the "brakes" on immune cells so they can act against the tumour
- CAR-T cell therapy: a specialised treatment for certain blood cancers, delivered in designated centres
- Combination immunotherapy: used with chemotherapy or targeted therapy for some cancers
Whether immunotherapy is suitable depends on the type of cancer and, often, on molecular markers found on testing.
Managing side effects
Every treatment plan comes with a plan for the side effects it can cause, such as nausea, fatigue and blood-count changes, with clear guidance on what to expect and when to make contact. Supportive care is part of treatment, not separate from it. See Beyond Cancer Treatment.