Treat for cancer
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Advances in Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Cancer Therapy
Keywords: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbal medicines, acupuncture, cancer symptoms, chemotherapy side effects
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely used as an adjunctive therapy for cancer in East Asian countries. TCM, including Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture, has shown promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, chronic pain, anorexia, cachexia, and insomnia, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Additionally, TCM has been effective in reducing the adverse reactions and complications associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. Specific herbal medicines like Panax ginseng and Astragali radix, and acupuncture points such as Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6), have been highlighted for their roles in mitigating gastrointestinal issues, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy induced by cancer treatments.
Gene Therapy for Cancer
Keywords: Gene therapy, molecular genetic abnormalities, tumor suppressor gene, immune system augmentation
Gene therapy is emerging as a promising alternative or complement to traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. This approach involves introducing genes into cells to either directly kill tumor cells or indirectly eliminate them by enhancing the immune system. Strategies include restoring the function of mutated tumor suppressor genes or expressing tumoricidal genes. Gene therapy is being explored for various cancers, including malignant melanoma, leukemia, and glioma, offering a new avenue for treatment where conventional methods have been only partially successful.
Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment
Keywords: Lung cancer, systemic therapy, molecularly targeted agents, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, ALK inhibitors
Lung cancer treatment has seen significant advancements, particularly with the integration of systemic therapy alongside local treatments. For advanced-stage lung cancer, systemic chemotherapy has modestly improved overall survival and quality of life. Molecularly targeted agents, such as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have shown high response rates and superior progression-free survival in patients with specific genetic mutations. Additionally, ALK inhibitors have emerged as a promising treatment for patients with specific gene translocations. These advancements underscore the importance of understanding cancer biology and developing novel anticancer agents.
Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Keywords: Immunotherapy, immune response, CAR T cells, immune checkpoint therapy, NSCLC
Immunotherapy has gained traction as a robust approach to treating various advanced-stage cancers by generating or augmenting the immune response against tumors. Techniques such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and bivalent antibodies have shown durable and robust responses across different cancer types. Personalized treatment strategies, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), have been enhanced by biomarker selection, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapies. Despite the potential, managing immune response adverse events remains a critical aspect of immunotherapy .
Peptide-Based Cancer Therapy
Keywords: Peptide-based chemotherapy, peptide vaccines, tumor targeting, low toxicity
Peptide-based chemotherapy is gaining interest due to its unique advantages, such as low molecular weight, specific targeting of tumor cells, and low toxicity to normal tissues. This therapy can be categorized into peptide-alone therapy, peptide vaccines, and peptide-conjugated nanomaterials. Peptide-alone therapy enhances the immune system's response to kill tumor cells, while peptide vaccines have been used to improve overall survival in advanced cancers. Combining peptides with nanomaterials further enhances drug delivery and sensitivity, expanding the therapeutic potential of peptides in cancer treatment.
Conclusion
The landscape of cancer treatment is rapidly evolving with the integration of traditional therapies, gene therapy, targeted molecular agents, immunotherapy, and peptide-based treatments. Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges, contributing to a more comprehensive and effective cancer treatment paradigm. Continued research and clinical trials are essential to refine these therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic