Scaling Back Treatment for Three Kinds of Cancer

At the world’s largest cancer conference, doctors reported that scaling back treatment for three types of cancer can make life easier for patients without compromising outcomes. Cancer research has been moving towards studying whether doing less surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can help patients live longer and feel better. This trend is part of a long-term quest to optimize cancer care and provide better support for patients.

The Past vs. Present Approach to Cancer Treatment

Thirty years ago, cancer research was about doing more, not less. In one example, women with advanced breast cancer were administered massive doses of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. Unfortunately, this approach did not work any better than chemotherapy, and patients suffered. Now, researchers are asking whether all the treatment modalities used in the past are necessary. Considerable research continues in this direction.

New Research on Ovarian, Esophageal Cancer, and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago demonstrate the trend towards doing less surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Here are some of the highlights:

Ovarian Cancer – French Study

A French study looked at whether it’s safe to avoid removing lymph nodes that appear healthy during surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. The study compared the results for 379 patients. Half had their lymph nodes removed, while half did not. After nine years, the patients who received less-extreme surgery had fewer complications and survived at the same rate as those who had more surgery. The National Institute of Cancer in France funded the study.

Esophageal Cancer – German Study

A German research study looked at 438 patients with a type of cancer of the esophagus that can be treated with surgery. Half received a conventional treatment plan that included chemotherapy and surgery on the esophagus, while the other half got an approach that included radiation too. Both techniques are considered standard. After three years, patients who had chemotherapy and surgery were more likely to survive than those who received chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The German Research Foundation funded the study.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

A comparison of two chemotherapy regimens for advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma found that the less intensive treatment was more effective for the blood cancer and caused fewer side effects. After four years, less harsh chemotherapy kept the disease in check in 94% of people, compared to 91% of those who had the more intense treatment. The trial involved 1,482 people in nine countries and was funded by Takeda Oncology, the manufacturer of one of the drugs used in the less harsh chemotherapy.

Doing Less Works Because of Improved Drugs

Often, doing less treatment works because of improved drugs. “The good news is that cancer treatment is not only becoming more effective, but it’s becoming easier to tolerate and linked with fewer short-term and long-term complications,” said Dr. William G. Nelson of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who was not involved in the new research. This is a positive breakthrough for cancer patients, and the studies show it’s becoming easier to cure, too.

Conclusion

Research on less-extensive cancer treatment continues to grow and has been bringing effective results. As medicine advances and research continues, doing less treatment can help cancer patients live longer and feel better while minimizing complications. Researchers will keep asking the question of optimization for cancer care, and cancer treatment will keep improving.

Originally Post From https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/cancer-patients-intensive-treatment-new-research-finds-110751521

Less Intensive Treatment May Benefit Cancer Patients According to New Research