Syöpälääkityksen

Syöpälääkitys, or cancer medication, refers to the use of drugs to treat cancer. These medications work in various ways to destroy cancer cells, slow their growth, or relieve symptoms. The choice of medication depends on the type of cancer, its stage, the patient's overall health, and the specific characteristics of the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is a common type of cancer medication that uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cells. While effective against cancer cells, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects. Targeted therapy is another approach that focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapy harnesses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. Hormone therapy is used for cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancers, by blocking or removing hormones that fuel cancer growth.

The administration of cancer medications can vary. They can be given orally (pills), intravenously (through a vein), or by injection. Treatment regimens are carefully planned by oncologists, often involving cycles of treatment followed by rest periods. Ongoing research continues to develop new and more effective cancer medications with improved safety profiles. Monitoring the patient's response to treatment and managing side effects are crucial aspects of cancer care.