The treatment options for uterine cancer depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences. The primary treatments for uterine cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Here’s a closer look at each of these:
- Surgery: This is the most common treatment for uterine cancer. A hysterectomy, which involves removal of the uterus, is typically performed. Depending on the extent of the cancer, the ovaries and fallopian tubes might also be removed (this is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). In some cases, a surgeon may also remove lymph nodes in the pelvic area to check for cancer spread.
- Radiation Therapy: This uses high-powered energy from x-rays, protons, or other sources to kill cancer cells. It can be administered externally by a machine that moves around the body (external beam radiation therapy), or internally, where radiation is placed inside the body in the uterus (brachytherapy).
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given orally or through a vein (intravenously). These drugs travel throughout the body, making chemotherapy a systemic treatment. It’s often used when cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Hormone Therapy: Some types of uterine cancer grow in response to hormones, such as estrogen. Hormone therapy involves taking medications that reduce the levels of these hormones or prevent them from promoting cancer growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs treat uterine cancer by altering specific aspects of cancer cells that fuel their growth. Targeted drugs can be used in combination with chemotherapy or alone, when chemotherapy hasn’t worked.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses your body’s immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
As with any serious disease, a patient diagnosed with uterine cancer should have a detailed discussion with their doctor about the best treatment options for their particular case. This will depend on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, possible side effects, the patient’s overall health, age, and personal preferences. Supportive (palliative) care is also important for people with cancer, focusing on relieving symptoms and side effects.
Also, participation in clinical trials should be considered, as they provide access to treatments that are under investigation and not yet available in the general market.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that my knowledge is up-to-date only until September 2021. Therefore, please consult a healthcare professional for the most recent and relevant advice.