New methods of cancer treatment: Breakthrough in oncology
1. Immunotherapy: Revolution in the fight against cancer
Immunotherapy is an exciting area of oncology, which uses its own immune system of the body to combat cancer. Instead of direct exposure to the tumor, as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immunotherapy stimulates or restores the ability of the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
1.1. Inhibitors of control points of the immune response:
The control points of the immune response are molecules that regulate the activity of immune cells, preventing an excessive reaction that can damage healthy tissues. Cancer cells often use these control points to avoid detection and destruction of the immune system. Inhibitors of control points of the immune response block these molecules, allowing immune cells to attack cancer cells.
- CTLA-4 inhibitors: CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-SSOSOCIATED PROTEIN 4) is a control point that suppresses the activity of T cells in the early stages of activation. CTLA-4 inhibitors, such as Ipilimumab, block CTLA-4, allowing T-cells to more effectively activate and attack cancer cells. Ipilimumab was approved for the treatment of melanoma and showed promising results in the treatment of other types of cancer, such as lung cancer and kidney cancer.
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1) is another control point that suppresses the activity of T cells at later stages of the immune response. PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) is a ligand PD-1, which is often expressed by cancer cells. Binding PD-1 with PD-L1 suppresses the activity of T cells, allowing cancer cells to avoid destruction. PD-1 inhibitors, such as Pembrolyzumab and Nivolumab, and PD-L1 inhibitors, such as athelyzolyzumab and durvalumab, block the interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1, restoring the activity of T-cells and allowing them to attack cancer cells. These drugs are approved for the treatment of a wide range of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma.
1.2. Car-T-cell therapy:
Car-T-cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy) is a form of immunotherapy that genetically modifies the patient’s T cells so that they can recognize and attack cancer cells. The patient’s T cells are extracted from the blood and genetically modified for the expression of a chime-dimensional antigenic receptor (CAR). CAR is a synthetic receptor that specifically binds to the antigen expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Modified Car-T cells are propagated in the laboratory and then introduced back to the patient. After the introduction of Car-T cells, they find and are associated with cancer cells, causing their destruction. CAR-T-cell therapy showed outstanding results in the treatment of certain types of blood cancer, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OLL) and diffuse B-circular lymphoma (DVKL).
1.3. Oncolytic viruses:
Oncolytic viruses are viruses that selectively infect and destroy cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues. These viruses can be natural or genetically modified to increase their selectivity and efficiency. Oncolytic viruses destroy cancer cells in several ways, including direct lysis (destruction) of cancer cells, stimulation of an immune response against cancer cells and the delivery of therapeutic genes to cancer cells. Talimogen camp (T-VEC) is an oncolytic virus approved for the treatment of melanoma. Oncological viruses undergo clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer, including glioblastoy, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
1.4. Cancer vaccines:
Cancer vaccines are drugs that stimulate the immune system for recognizing and destroying cancer cells. Cancer vaccines can be preventive (prevent cancer) or therapeutic (treat existing cancer). Preventive vaccines against cancer, such as a vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), showed high efficiency in preventing cervical cancer and other types of cancer associated with HPV. Therapeutic vaccines against cancer are in development for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer and prostate cancer.
1.5. Adoptive cell therapy:
Adoptive cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy, which includes the extraction of patient’s immune cells, their activation and reproduction in the laboratory, and then return to the patient to combat cancer. Car-T-cell therapy is an example of adoptive cell therapy. Other types of adoptative cell therapy include lymphokin-activated killers (varnish) and tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes (Oil).
2. Targeted therapy: accurate effect on cancer cells
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses medicines or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells, without damaging healthy cells. Targeted therapy is based on the understanding of molecular mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of cancer. Cancer cells often have mutations or abnormalities in certain genes or proteins, which contribute to their uncontrolled growth and distribution. Targeted drugs block or inhibit these specific molecules, violating the growth and survival of cancer cells.
2.1. Tyrosinkinase inhibitors:
Tyrosinkinase is enzymes that play an important role in transmitting signals inside the cells. Many cancer cells have abnormally active tyrosinkinase, which contribute to their uncontrolled growth and distribution. Tyrosinkinase inhibitors block the activity of these enzymes, violating the growth and survival of cancer cells. Imatinib, Gephitinib, Erlotinib and Crisotinib are examples of tyrosinkinase inhibitors, which are used to treat various types of cancer, including chronic myelolecosis (KML), lung cancer and stomach cancer.
2.2. Proteas inhibitors:
Proteasomes are the complexes of enzymes that break down proteins inside the cells. Cancer cells often depend on proteas for survival and growth. Proteas inhibitors block activity with proteas, causing the accumulation of damaged proteins inside cancer cells, which leads to their death. Bortezomib and Carpilzomib are examples of proteas inhibitors, which are used to treat multiple myeloma.
2.3. Monoclonal antibodies:
Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies created in the laboratories that are specifically bind to antigens expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can destroy cancer cells in several ways, including blocking signal pathways, stimulating the immune response and the delivery of toxic substances to cancer cells. Rituximab, Trastuzumab and Bevacizumab are examples of monoclonal antibodies that are used to treat various types of cancer, including lymphoma, breast cancer and colon cancer.
2.4. PARP inhibitors:
PARP (Poly Adp-Ribose Polymerase) is an enzyme that is involved in DNA reparation. Cancer cells with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which also participate in DNA reparation, are especially sensitive to PARP inhibitors. PARP inhibitors block PARP activity, violating DNA of cancer cells and leading to their death. Olaparib and the handaparib are examples of PARP inhibitors, which are used to treat ovarian cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
2.5. CDK4/6 inhibitors:
CDK4/6 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinases 4 and 6) is enzymes that play an important role in the regulation of the cell cycle. Cancer cells often have abnormally active CDK4/6, which contribute to their uncontrolled growth. CDK4/6 inhibitors block the activity of these enzymes, stopping the cell cycle and preventing the growth of cancer cells. Palbocyclib, ribocyclib and Abemacclicb – examples of CDK4/6 inhibitors, which are used to treat breast cancer.
3. Gene therapy: editing genes to combat cancer
Gene therapy is a promising area of oncology, which includes a change in the genetic material of cells for cancer treatment. Gene therapy can be used for various purposes, including the replacement of mutating genes, the introduction of new genes that kill cancer cells, and an increase in the sensitivity of cancer cells to other types of treatment.
3.1. Viral vectors:
Viral vectors are the most common way to deliver genes to cells. Viruses are naturally able to infect cells and deliver their genetic material inward. In gene therapy, viruses are genetically modified so that they cannot cause diseases, but retain the ability to deliver therapeutic genes to cells. Adenoassed viruses (AAV), adenoviruses and retroviruses are examples of viral vectors that are used in genetic therapy.
3.2. Nevirus vectors:
Nevirus vectors are an alternative way to deliver genes to cells that does not use viruses. Nevirus vectors, such as liposomes and plasmids, can be less effective than viral vectors, but they can also be less immunogenic.
3.3. CRISPR-CAS9:
CRISPR-CAS9 is a revolutionary technology for editing genes, which allows scientists to accurately and effectively change DNA in cells. CRISPR-CAS9 uses the CAS9 enzyme and the RNA guide (GRNA) for aiming and cutting DNA in a certain place of the genome. Then the cell restores DNA rupture, often inactivating the gene or inserting a new gene. CRISPR-CAS9 has a potential for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
3.4. Gene therapy in vivo and ex vivo:
Gene therapy can be carried out in vivo (inside the body) or ex vivo (outside the body). With genetic therapy in vivo, the therapeutic gene is delivered directly to the patient’s cells. With genetic therapy EX Vivo, the patients of the patient are extracted from the body, genetically modified in the laboratory and then return to the patient. Car-T-cell therapy is an example of genetic therapy EX Vivo.
4. Radiation therapy: Improving irradiation methods
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high -energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to treat many types of cancer and can be used as independent treatment or in combination with other types of treatment, such as surgery and chemotherapy.
4.1. 3D-conform radiation therapy (3D-CRT):
3D-CRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses computer modeling to accurately form a radiation beam in accordance with the shape of the tumor. This allows you to deliver a higher dose of radiation to the tumor, minimizing the effect on the surrounding healthy tissues.
4.2. Radiation therapy with modulated intensity (IMRT):
IMRT is a more advanced 3D-CRT form, which uses computer control to modulate the intensity of the radiation beam at various points. This allows you to more accurately form a dose of radiation in accordance with the shape of the tumor and minimize the effect on the surrounding healthy tissues.
4.3. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS):
SRT and SRS are types of radiation therapy that use high -precision visualization and positioning methods to deliver a high dose of radiation to a small tumor in one or more fractions. SRT is usually used to treat tumors in the lungs, liver and spine, and SRS is usually used to treat tumors in the brain.
4.4. Proton therapy:
Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of photons. Protons have unique physical properties that allow them to deliver most of their energy to a certain point called Bragg peak. This allows you to deliver a higher dose of radiation to the tumor, minimizing the effect on the surrounding healthy tissues. Proton therapy is especially useful for the treatment of tumors located near critical organs, such as the brain, spinal cord and heart.
4.5. Brachytherapy:
Brachitherapy is a type of radiation therapy, which includes the room of the radioactive source directly inside or next to the tumor. This allows you to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor, minimizing the effect on the surrounding healthy tissues. Brachitherapy can be used to treat various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer.
5. The role of artificial intelligence in oncology:
Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms oncology, offering new opportunities for early diagnosis, personalized treatment and improving the results for patients.
5.1. Cancer diagnostics:
AI algorithms can analyze medical images, such as x-rays, CT and MRI, to identify cancer in the early stages, often with greater accuracy than radiologists. AI can also analyze pathological samples to detect cancer cells and classify cancer types.
5.2. Personalized treatment:
AI can analyze genomic data, a clinical history and the results of the patient’s treatment to predict what treatment methods will most likely be effective. This allows doctors to develop personalized treatment plans that are adapted to the specific needs of each patient.
5.3. Discovery of drugs:
AI can accelerate the process of opening drugs by identifying new targets for drugs and predicting the effectiveness of potential drugs. AI can also be used to develop more effective and less toxic drugs.
5.4. Data management and analytics:
AI can help manage huge amounts of data generated in oncology and extract valuable information from them. AI can be used to identify trends and patterns in data that can help improve the results of treatment and the quality of medical care.
6. Minimum invasive surgery:
Minimum invasive surgery (Mih) is surgical methods that are performed through small incisions using specialized tools and visualization technologies. MIH offers many advantages compared to traditional open surgery, including less pain, shorter recovery, smaller scars and a lower risk of complications.
6.1. Laparoscopic surgery:
Laparoscopic surgery is a type of mih that uses a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and a light source, to visualize internal organs. The surgeon makes small cuts and inserts a laparoscope and other tools for the operation.
6.2. Robotized surgery:
Robotized surgery is a type of mih that uses a surgical robot to perform surgery. The surgeon controls the robot from the console, and the robot performs the movements of the surgeon with greater accuracy and control than with traditional surgery.
6.3. Endoscopic surgery:
Endoscopic surgery is a type of mih that uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and a light source, to visualize internal organs. Endoscopic surgery is usually used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract.
7. New visualization methods:
Improved visualization methods play a decisive role in early diagnosis, stage and monitoring of cancer treatment.
7.1. PET-CT (positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography):
PET CT is a visualization method that unites PET and CT to obtain detailed information about the structure and function of organs and tissues. PET uses a radioactive tracer to identify metabolically active cells, such as cancer cells, and CT uses x -rays to obtain detailed images of internal organs.
7.2. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):
MRI is a visualization method that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain detailed images of internal organs and tissues. MRI is especially useful for visualizing soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord and internal organs.
7.3. Molecular visualization:
Molecular visualization is a type of visualization that uses molecular probes to identify and visualize certain molecules or processes in the body. Molecular visualization can be used to detect cancer in the early stages, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and to predict the results for patients.
7.4. Optical visualization:
Optical visualization is a type of visualization that uses light to visualize internal organs and tissues. Optical visualization can be used to detect cancer in the early stages, to assess the effectiveness of treatment and to predict the results for patients.
8. Nanotechnology in oncology:
Nanotechnologies offer innovative approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
8.1. Nanoparticles for drug delivery:
Nanoparticles can be developed for the delivery of drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing the effect on healthy tissues. Nanoparticles can be aimed at cancer cells by coating them with molecules, which specifically bind to cancer cells.
8.2. Nanosensers for cancer diagnosis:
Nanosensors can be used to detect cancer in the early stages by detecting cancer biomarkers in the blood or other biological fluids. Nanosensors can be very sensitive and specific, which allows you to identify cancer in the earliest stages.
8.3. Nanotherapy:
Nanotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses nanoparticles to destroy cancer cells. Nanoparticles can be heated with a laser or other source of energy to destroy cancer cells.
9. The role of nutrition and lifestyle in the fight against cancer:
Nutrition and lifestyle play an important role in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
9.1. Diet:
A healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help reduce the risk of cancer. Some products, such as cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, contain compounds that can help protect against cancer.
9.2. Physical activity:
Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer and improve treatment results for people with cancer.
9.3. Refusal of smoking:
Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and many other types of cancer. Refusal of smoking is one of the most important things that you can do to reduce the risk of cancer.
9.4. Alcohol consumption restriction:
The use of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer and liver cancer. The restriction of alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of cancer.
10. Supporting therapy and palliative help:
Supporting therapy and palliative help play an important role in improving the quality of life of people with cancer.
10.1. Supporting therapy:
Supporting therapy is a treatment that helps alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, pain and fatigue.
10.2. Palliative help:
Palliative help is a treatment that helps alleviate the symptoms of cancer and improve the quality of life of people with cancer, regardless of the stage of the disease.
10.3. Psychological support:
Psychological support can help people with cancer can cope with emotional and psychological stress associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
10.4. Social support:
Social support from family, friends and support groups can help people with cancer, feel more connected and less lonely.
11. Clinical trials:
Clinical trials play an important role in the development of new and improved cancer treatment methods. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new cancer treatment methods. Participation in clinical trials can give people with cancer, access to the most modern treatment methods and can help improve the results of treatment for future patients.
12. Future of cancer treatment:
The future treatment of cancer looks promising. Thanks to the achievements in the field of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, genetic therapy and other areas, we are all closer to turning cancer from a deadly disease into a chronic one.
12.1. Personalized medicine:
Personalized medicine is an approach to cancer treatment, which takes into account the unique genetic and molecular characteristics of each patient. Personalized medicine can help doctors develop more effective and less toxic treatment plans.
12.2. Early detection:
Early detection of cancer is important for improving treatment results. New visualization methods and biomarkers are developed to detect cancer in the earliest stages.
12.3. Preventive medicine:
Preventive medicine is an approach to health, which is aimed at preventing diseases, and not at their treatment after they have developed. Preventive medicine can help reduce the risk of cancer with the help of a healthy lifestyle, vaccination and screening.
12.4. Integrative oncology:
Integrative oncology is an approach to the treatment of cancer, which combines traditional methods of treating cancer with complementary and alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture, yoga and meditation. Integrative oncology can help people with cancer, cope with cancer symptoms and improve the quality of life.
13. Ethical considerations in the treatment of cancer:
The development and use of new methods of cancer treatment is associated with a number of ethical reasons.
13.1. Accessibility and justice:
New cancer treatment methods are often very expensive, which can make it difficult to access them for all patients. It is important to ensure that all patients have fair access to new cancer treatment methods, regardless of their socio-economic status.
13.2. Consent based on complete information:
Patients should receive complete information about the risks and advantages of new cancer treatment methods before giving consent to treatment. Patients should also have the right to refuse treatment.
13.3. Confidentiality:
Information about patients should be confidential. It is important to protect the confidentiality of patients during research and the development of new cancer treatment methods.
13.4. Justice:
Clinical trials should be fair and include patients from different population groups. It is important to ensure that new cancer treatment methods are safe and effective for all patients.
14. Calls and opportunities in oncology:
Despite significant progress in the treatment of cancer, there are still many challenges that need to be solved.
14.1. Development of treatment methods for incurable types of cancer:
Some types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, are still very difficult to treat. It is necessary to continue research to develop new and more effective methods of treating these types of cancer.
14.2. Overcoming resistance to drugs:
Cancer cells can develop resistance to drugs, which makes treatment ineffective. It is necessary to continue research to understand the mechanisms of resistance to drugs and develop methods for overcoming it.
14.3. Reducing side effects of cancer treatment:
Cancer treatment can cause serious side effects. It is necessary to continue research to develop methods for reducing side effects of cancer.
14.4. Improving the quality of life of patients:
It is important to improve the quality of life of people with cancer, providing them with supporting therapy, palliative help and psychological support.
15. Global cooperation in the fight against cancer:
The fight against cancer requires global cooperation between researchers, doctors and politicians.
15.1. Information and resource exchange:
It is important to exchange information and resources between researchers and doctors around the world to accelerate progress in the treatment of cancer.
15.2. Development of global treatment standards:
It is necessary to develop global cancer treatment standards to ensure that all patients receive the best care, regardless of where they live.
15.3. Elimination of inequality in access to treatment:
It is necessary to eliminate the inequality in access to the treatment of cancer between countries and within countries. All patients should have access to the best treatment methods, regardless of their socio-economic status.
16. Conclusion:
New cancer treatment methods offer hope for patients with cancer and their families. Thanks to constant research and innovation, we are getting closer to turning cancer from a deadly disease into a chronic one. It is important to maintain cancer studies, participate in clinical trials and work together to achieve a goal – a world without cancer.
This detailed outline covers a wide range of topics related to new cancer treatment methods and provides a solid framework for a 100,000-word article. The subsequent expanded sections below will build upon this foundation, adding depth and specific examples.
17. Surgery: from radical operations to organ -preserving approaches
Surgery remains the cornerstone in the treatment of many types of cancer, but its role evolves. Traditional radical operations aimed at completely removing the tumor and surrounding tissues are inferior to organ -preserving approaches and minimally invasive techniques.
17.1. Organizing surgery:
The purpose of organ -preserving surgery is to remove the tumor, preserving as many healthy organ tissue as possible. This approach is especially important for types of breast cancer, kidneys and limbs, where the preservation of the organ function is of paramount importance.
- Lampectomy for breast cancer: The lapectomy, also known as wide excision, removes only the tumor and a small area of the surrounding tissue of the mammary gland. It is often combined with radiation therapy to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
- Partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer: Partial nephrectomy removes only the kidney tumor, preserving the rest of the organ. This can help prevent renal failure and the need for dialysis.
- Surgery surgery at Sarcoma: The surgery of the extremities is aimed at removing sarcoma (soft tissue cancer) in the limb, while maintaining the function of the limb. This may include removal of the tumor, bone replacement or reconstruction of soft tissues.
17.2. Minimum invasive surgery (Mikh):
Mih uses small cuts, specialized tools and visualization systems for operations. Robotized surgery, laparoscopy and endoscopy are examples of Mih.
- Advantages MIH:
- Less pain and discomfort after surgery
- A shorter stay in the hospital
- Smaller scars
- Reducing the risk of complications, such as infection
- Faster return to normal activities
17.3. Intraoperative radiation therapy (ILT):
Iolt involves the delivery of high dose of radiation therapy directly in the tumor bed during the operation, immediately after its removal. This can help destroy the remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Advantages of Iolt:
- Targeted effect on the tumor area
- Reducing the time of radiation therapy
- Potential improvement in tumor control
17.4. Cryosurgery:
Cryosurgery uses an extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Liquid nitrogen or argon are used to create an ice ball that covers the tumor.
- Application of cryosurgery:
- Skin cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Baked cancer
17.5. Chemiembolization of the hepatic artery (Tace):
Tace is a minimum invasive procedure used to treat liver cancer. It involves the introduction of chemotherapeutic drugs directly into the hepatic artery, which supplies blood tumor.
- TACE action mechanism:
- High concentration of chemotherapy in the tumor
- Blocation of blood supply to the tumor
- Reduction of systemic side effects of chemotherapy
18. New horizons in chemotherapy: more effective and less toxic drugs
Chemotherapy remains an important method of treating many types of cancer, but new and improved drugs are developed aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing toxicity.
18.1. Targeted chemotherapeutic drugs:
These drugs are designed for aiming on certain molecules or paths in cancer cells, which makes them more selective and less toxic for healthy cells.
- Examples of targeted chemotherapeutic drugs:
- Microtubule inhibitors (for example, dachshunds)
- Topoisomerase inhibitors (for example, topots)
- Platinum preparations (for example, cisplatin, carboplatin) with improved delivery
18.2. Liposomal chemotherapy:
Chemotherapeutic drugs are in liposomes, tiny spherical bubbles made of fats. Liposomes help protect the drug for destruction in the body and allow it to be more effectively delivered to the tumor.
- Advantages of liposomal chemotherapy:
- Increased concentration of the drug in the tumor
- Reduction of toxicity for healthy tissues
- Extension of the circulation time of the drug in the blood
18.3. Prodorugi:
Proparks are inactive drugs that are activated in the body, usually in tumors. This allows you to deliver the drug more purposefully and reduce systemic side effects.
- Examples of prodiganism:
- Capecitabin (activated up to 5-fluoruratsil)
- Tegafur (activated up to 5-fluoruratsil)
18.4. Antibodies of antibodies (ADC):
ADC is a combination of antibodies, which is aimed at a certain protein on the surface of cancer cells, and a chemotherapeutic drug. The antibody delivers the drug directly to cancer cells, which increases efficiency and reduces toxicity.
- Examples ADC:
- Trustuzumab Emmansin (T-DM1) for breast cancer Her2-positive
- Brentuximab Vedin for Hodgkin lymphoma
18.5. New chemotherapy schemes:
New chemotherapy schemes are developed that combine various drugs in new combinations and doses. This is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of treatment and reducing resistance to drugs.
- Examples of new schemes:
- Adding targeted drugs to standard chemotherapy
- The use of lower doses of chemotherapy with greater often