What are the main types of cancer treatment modalities?

The main types of cancer treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Each of these approaches plays a vital role in the management of cancer.

Surgery is often employed to physically remove tumors or affected tissue from the body, which can be curative in certain types of cancer, especially if it is detected early. Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth and is commonly used for various cancers, often in conjunction with other treatments. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, to destroy or damage cancer cells, and is frequently used either as a primary treatment or adjuvantly after surgery. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific drugs that target particular pathways or mutations in cancer cells, allowing for a potentially more effective treatment with reduced side effects compared to conventional therapies.

While acupuncture, hypnosis, physical therapy, dietary changes, exercise, meditation, herbal remedies, massage therapy, and counseling can play supportive roles in cancer care and improve quality of life, they are not classified as primary treatment modalities for cancer. Instead, they may complement primary treatments by alleviating symptoms or managing side effects but do not directly treat the cancer itself.