The Next Generation Of Cancer Treatments
Our generation has been more open than any, previous when it comes to talking about cancer and exploring the subject with courage and honesty. However, while this increased awareness certainly does help when it comes to catching cancer early and helping people be more aware of what steps to take in treatment, it’s important to remember the battle going on within hospitals across the globe to win the war. Here, we’re going to look at some of the technologies and techniques that are becoming the next generation of cancer treatments.The genetic approach
Perhaps the most exciting news comes from the growing field of gene editing and targeting. Scientists are constantly working to isolate and understand the purpose and potential of certain genes, such as the gene EPN3 which has been recognized to have a role in spreading breast cancer, which could make it a target of future breast cancer drugs. Given the cancer risk does have some heritability to it, this suggests that many more breakthroughs could be made by more effectively targeting genes.
A more precise strike
Our ability to understand and perceive cancer accurately within the body of a patient plays a huge role in how effectively we can treat it. As such, advanced sequencing-based approaches such as those from Thermo Fisher Scientific are allowing oncologists to be much more precise, getting information on the molecular level, so that they can provide techniques that are much more specific to the individual patient. The enhanced understanding providing by improvements in imaging is going to help more than any individual treatment based on it.
Improving our immune system
The immunotherapy approach is one that is set to revolutionize the world of cancer treatment, providing it can advance to a usable level. Researchers are isolating the mechanism by which cancer cells dodge the immune system, such as by generating cells that “hide” them from the sight of the immune system. There are immunotherapy drugs in the works, as well as gene therapy processes like CAR T-cell therapy that either train the immune system to better recognize cancer cells or use it directly to attack cancer cells. It could be that the body could be trained to eliminate cancer, much like it’s trained to eliminate other viruses and bacteria.
Preventing the spread of cancer
One of the most dangerous mechanisms of cancer cells is their ability to spread. When they spread to a certain degree, they become much more dangerous. However, there is research being done into the protein on the surface of cancer cells. Some research done by a doctor from the University of the Basque Country has found that by blocking this protein, it may be possible to prevent cancer cells from spreading throughout the body. This could allow for the development of new treatments that hold cancer in stasis to some degree, making it easier to treat.
Even if the cure for cancer may not feel much closer now than it was a few decades ago, we are improving our treatments drastically, which means improving the quality of life and outlook for so many patients.
