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There was a time when more treatment was better for cancer patients, but that is no longer the case. Doctors have reported that reducing cancer treatment has no impact on a patient’s recovery and can provide relief. This approach is a change from 30 years ago when cancer treatment focused on increasing the amount of care, reports the New York Post.
Researchers are now reevaluating traditional cancer treatments, and questioning the need for long-term approaches. Dr. Tatjana Kolevska, medical director of the Kaiser Permanente National Cancer Excellence Program, emphasized the importance of this investigation.
Studies are being done to learn whether less surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation might help patients with ovarian and esophageal cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma live longer and feel better.
French researchers have found that during surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, it is safe to leave healthy-looking lymph glands untouched. Their study included 379 patients, half of whom had their lymph nodes removed and the other half had their lymph nodes untouched, the NY Post reported.
The study, funded by France’s National Institute of Cancer, found that even after nine years, there was no effect on the longevity of the patients. Patients had fewer complications after less serious surgery. They also did not need blood transfusions.
A German study found that 57% of patients who received chemotherapy and surgery were still alive. However, only 51% of patients who received chemotherapy and surgery plus radiation were still alive.
For a type of blood cancer called advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, people with more intensive treatment were less likely to keep the disease under control.
Opinion of experts
Dr. Kolevska, who is not involved in the new research that has sparked this discussion, believes this is a question “that needs to be asked again and again”.
Dr. William G. Nelson of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine says cancer treatments are not only improving in effectiveness with a decrease in short- and long-term complications, but are also becoming easier to tolerate, the publication added. Dr. Nelson was also not involved in the study.
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Published: June 03, 2024, 12:33 PM IST
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