The treatment for bone cancer is highly dependent on various factors such as the cancer’s location, size, type, and stage. Upon diagnosis, doctors tailor treatment plans according to the individual’s condition, with the aim of either curing the cancer or managing it to enhance the patient’s lifespan, especially in advanced stages.
Research conducted by the University of Minnesota Cancer Centre in 2007, led by Dr. Logan Spector, explored the relationship between genetics and bone cancer. The study suggested correlations between diet, family history, physical activity, lifestyle factors, and the incidence of bone cancer. Previous research also linked childhood growth patterns with bone cancer occurrence.
Bone cancer treatment typically involves a combination of approaches:
- Surgery: This involves tumor removal, sometimes necessitating limb amputation in severe cases. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may precede or follow surgery, depending on the situation.
- Radiation Therapy: Utilizing radiation to diagnose and destroy tumor cells, various techniques like 3-D Conformal Radiation, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, External Beam Radiation, and TomoTherapy HI-ART may be employed. Patients receive nutritional supplements and emotional support to manage side effects.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment targets and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Patients are closely monitored post-treatment to prevent recurrence.
- Biotherapy or Immunotherapy: These methods mitigate the adverse effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. They often involve a combination of therapies such as pain management, nutritional support, and spiritual guidance.
A multidisciplinary team comprising surgeons, radiation therapists, and oncologists collaborates to deliver comprehensive care. Pre-surgery chemotherapy may be administered to improve outcomes. Treatment may lead to side effects such as mood changes, memory issues, constipation, and drowsiness, necessitating regular screening to assess their impact.
Patients with bone cancer require not only physical healing but also emotional support for optimal treatment outcomes. Pain management and nutritional therapy help alleviate discomfort and mitigate treatment-related malnutrition. Ultimately, survival hinges on cancer type and response to treatment.