cancerterapi

Cancerterapi, or cancer therapy, refers to medical treatments used to treat cancer. The aim may be curative, to prolong life, or to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, molecular features, patient health, and preferences, and is typically planned by a multidisciplinary team.

Common modalities include surgery to remove tumors; radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells in a defined area; and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies that circulate in the body. Some cancers are treated with combinations of these approaches, and treatment may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant) to improve outcomes. For hematologic cancers, stem cell transplantation is also used in some settings.

Managing side effects and maintaining quality of life are integral parts of cancer therapy. This includes supportive care, nutrition, symptom control, and rehabilitation. Treatments are tailored to maximize benefit while limiting harm, and clinical trials provide access to new therapies and strategies.

Advances in genomics, biomarker testing, and precision medicine have led to more personalized approaches. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, and other targeted agents are expanding options for many cancers, though effectiveness varies by tumor type. Ongoing research continues to refine indications, sequencing, and combinations of treatments.