How cancer can be cured?

As an oncologist with extensive experience in cancer research and treatment, I can provide an overview of the current approaches to curing cancer. It's important to note that cancer is not a single disease but a collection of over 100 different diseases, each with its own characteristics and responses to treatment. Therefore, the approach to curing cancer can vary significantly depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Cancer treatment typically involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual patient's needs. Here's a brief overview of the common treatments: 1. Surgery: This is often the first-line treatment for solid tumors. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eradicated. 2. Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink tumors (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant chemotherapy). 3. Radiation Therapy: Also known as radiotherapy, this treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill any remaining cells. 4. Immunotherapy: This is a relatively new approach that harnesses the power of the patient's immune system to fight cancer. It involves treatments that either stimulate the immune system to work harder or provide immune cells that can recognize and attack cancer cells. 5. Targeted Therapy: These drugs target specific molecules that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells. They are designed to block these molecules and stop cancer growth. 6. Hormone Therapy: This is used for cancers that are fueled by hormones, such as some breast and prostate cancers. Hormone therapy aims to block the action of these hormones or lower their levels in the body. Each of these treatments has its own set of side effects and risks, and they are chosen based on the specific cancer, its stage, and the patient's health status. It's also worth mentioning that while these treatments can often lead to a cure, in some cases, the goal may be to control the cancer and improve the patient's quality of life rather than to eliminate it entirely.

Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. You may also have immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy.