5 Current Trends In Cancer Therapy – What’s Next?
Image Source: FreeImages
The field of cancer treatment has come a long way since the days of bloodletting, mustard plasters, and organ transplantation. With over 12 new anticancer drugs entering the market every year, we can expect more options in the future. In addition to better diagnostic tests, technological advancements have led to better treatments for most types of cancer. For example, immunotherapy drugs are now used to treat lung and pancreatic cancer. These drugs work by making your immune system stronger. This allows your body to fight cancerous cells independently—without chemo or invasive surgery. Read on to learn about the top five trends in cancer therapy that might come soon…
New Diagnosis and Treatment Models
While some cancer treatments have remained the same for more than 50 years, newer approaches have emerged thanks to the development of new technologies. Through genomics and proteomics, doctors have gotten a better look at the genes and proteins linked to cancer. They have also led to the development of more precise treatment models. For example, doctors can now create 3-D images of tumors and use these to guide treatments. Also, they can use techniques that change genes to target specific genes linked to cancer.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic surgery is the latest in many technological advances that have made surgery much safer, less expensive, and faster to recover from. With the help of robotics and imaging technology, surgeons can operate on patients today with a low risk of infection, injury, or damage. Even complex surgeries, such as kidney transplantation or brain operations, can be conducted via robotic equipment. Robotics can perform a variety of surgical functions. For example, it can help surgeons operate in difficult-to-reach regions, such as the brain. It can also help with complicated procedures, like removing tumors from hard-to-reach places. The number of infections and deaths caused by surgery has decreased as robotic surgery has become more common. This has been attributed to better patient outcomes and lower costs.
Breakthroughs In Immune-Based Therapy
One of the top five cancer treatment trends involves “targeted therapy,” a type of immunotherapy. This consists of antibodies that activate the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Some of the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment involve using “chimeric antigen receptor” (CAR) T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy involves the use of a patient’s own antigen-specific T-cells. These cells are engineered to target specific cancer cells. This is a potential game-changer in the treatment of cancer. Several clinical trials are currently evaluating the use of CAR T-cell therapy to treat a range of cancers, including pancreatic, ovarian, colorectal, and melanoma.
Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment
Another notable trend in cancer treatment involves the development of nanotechnology. This consists of the use of nanoparticles in the delivery of drugs and lab-grown cells. Many drugs in clinical trials today are delivered via nanoparticles. These particles are usually 100 nanometers in diameter and are as small as a red blood cell. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system—helping to treat various types of brain and spinal cord conditions. Nanotechnology is also being used to treat cancer. This involves the use of magnetic nanomaterials. They are used to direct nanoparticles to specific areas of the body. This can enable the administration of cancer treatment via a single injection.
Research on Chromium-Based Drugs And Supplements
As we move into the future, we can expect more research on chromium-based drugs and supplements. Chromium is a trace mineral that helps control how much sugar is in the blood and makes insulin work better. It is also used to develop new drugs, supplements, and nutraceuticals. New studies have shown that chromium may help control blood sugar and promote insulin sensitivity in healthy and diabetic individuals. Moreover, a research study revealed that a chromium-based supplement may help to prevent metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The supplement, called Chromax, is manufactured by the company NutraScience. It has yet to be made available for sale. Another supplement, Super CitriMax, is also being developed to treat diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It is being developed by the company CitriMax Biologics Inc.
Bottom line
As we learn more about the human body, we will continue to see better treatments for certain cancers and other conditions. DNA analysis and next-generation sequencing are two new diagnostic tests that can help doctors find specific health risks. New tools like nanotechnology and robotics will make treatments safer and more effective. New dietary supplements and medicines will provide additional benefits. And, of course, making gene-editing and gene-changing technologies stronger will give cancer patients many new options. These are just some of the top five trends in cancer therapy that might come soon.