Researchers Study Gentler Cancer Treatments for VOA Learning English

Study Shows Reduced Treatment for Three Kinds of Cancer Can Help Patients Live Longer and Feel Better

Introduction

According to recent reports by doctors at the world’s largest cancer conference, reduced treatment for ovarian and esophageal cancer, as well as Hodgkin lymphoma, can make life easier for patients without hurting results. The findings are part of a long-term move toward studying whether doing less surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can help patients live longer and feel better.

The World of Cancer Research 30 Years Ago

According to studies, 30 years ago cancer research was focused on doing more rather than less. For instance, women with advanced breast cancer were subjected to large doses of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants which pushed them to the edge of death. Unfortunately, these treatments didn’t work any better than chemotherapy and patients suffered. However, researchers are now keen on improving cancer care by asking– do we need all the treatment that we have used in the past?

Improved Drugs make Reduced Treatment Possible

Studies have shown that doing less through reduced treatments is possible. Improved drugs make it possible for patients to receive less treatment while still benefiting from the necessary dose of medication. According to Dr. William G. Nells of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, “The good news is that cancer treatment is not only becoming more effective, it’s becoming easier to tolerate and associated with less short-term and long-term complications.”

French Study: Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

A French study found that it’s safe to avoid removing lymph nodes that appear healthy when treating advanced ovarian cancer. The study, which compared the results of 379 patients, showed that half had their lymph nodes removed and half did not. Patients who opted for less extreme surgery had fewer complications, such as the need for blood transfusions. The research conducted by the National Institute of Cancer in France, shows that after nine years, there was no difference in how long the patients lived.

Long-Tail Keyword: Safest ovarian cancer treatment options

Lymph node removal is one of the conventional methods used in the surgical treatment of ovarian cancer. In some cases, however, the procedure can be avoided for patients with less advanced forms of ovarian cancer without affecting patient’s survival rates.

German Study: Esophageal Cancer Treatment

A German study involving 438 people with a type of esophageal cancer that can be treated with surgery found that half of the patients received a common treatment plan which included chemotherapy and surgery on the esophagus while the other half received another treatment that included radiation. The results, both of which were considered standard concluded that death rates between both groups were similar. For those who opted for chemo and surgery, 57% were alive after three years versus 51% of those who took chemo, surgery, and radiation.

Long-Tail Keyword: Most effective treatments for esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, an organ responsible for carrying food from the throat to the stomach. Several treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are used in treating the disease. While researchers found no significant difference in the survival rates of people who underwent chemotherapy and surgery versus those who underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, patients need to discuss treatment options with their doctors to determine which treatment would be best for them.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment Options

According to recent research, gentler chemotherapy treatment is more effective for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma patients and causes fewer side effects. The trial involved 1, 482 patients across nine countries—Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand. After four years, the gentler chemo kept the disease in control in 94% of people compared to 91% of those who had the more powerful treatment. Takeda Oncology financed the study.

Long-Tail Keyword: Alternative Hodgkin Lymphoma treatments

While chemotherapy is one of the conventional methods used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, newer alternatives such as gentler chemo are being developed. Patients should discuss these alternative treatments with their doctors to determine which alternative treatment is best for them

Conclusion

Reduced treatments are becoming popular in cancer research and treatment. Patients with ovarian and esophageal cancer as well as Hodgkin lymphoma can benefit from receiving less treatment while still deriving the necessary benefits without the accompanying side effects. It is important for patients to discuss treatment options with their doctors to determine which treatment is best for their unique situation.

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