Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and newer cancer treatments

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill or block the multiplication of tumor cells, which divide quickly. It may be given before surgery (to shrink the tumor), after it (to lower the risk of recurrence) or to control spread disease. Some drugs are taken by mouth, others by intravenous infusion, often in cycles with rest periods.

Because the drugs also affect normal fast-dividing cells, side effects vary with the regimen and may include fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, a fall in blood cells (with a risk of infection, anemia or bleeding) or peripheral nerve damage (numbness). Not every regimen causes hair loss. The intensity of side effects does not by itself show how well the treatment is working. Most effects improve after the cycle ends.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of tumor cells. External radiation is aimed at a defined area, with detailed planning; other methods use internal sources (brachytherapy) or systemic radioactive substances. It may aim to treat the tumor, lower the risk of recurrence after surgery or relieve symptoms (for example pain from bone metastases). Effects depend on the area and the radiation plan: skin redness, fatigue, changes in the irradiated organ. After external radiation the patient does not become radioactive; for some internal or systemic methods special instructions are given.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy

Targeted therapies act on specific molecular features of the tumor (for example proteins or signaling pathways that keep cells multiplying). In some cases selection requires testing the tumor for receptors or molecular changes, so they are not suitable for everyone.

Immunotherapy helps the immune system act against cancer, for example by removing the “brakes” that the tumor places on immune cells (checkpoint inhibitors). It is not suitable for every diagnosis and can cause inflammation of healthy organs (bowel, lung, liver, endocrine glands, skin). Tell the team immediately about new significant diarrhea, shortness of breath or unusual symptoms, even months after treatment has finished.

Other methods and clinical trials

Hormone therapy is used in certain hormone-dependent tumors (for example breast, prostate). Cell therapies, radionuclide therapy or participation in clinical trials may be discussed in selected cases at specialized centers. Do not add supplements and do not change the regimen yourself; some products interact with the treatment. Oral treatments need as much care in taking and monitoring as infusions. For daily care see advice during cancer care, while therapies that affect the heart are addressed in cardio-oncology.

Care at Tirana Polyclinic: we offer oncology consultation to explain treatment and guide follow-up, in cooperation with the treating team. Administration of therapies and radiotherapy are organized at the relevant center according to the oncology plan.