Choosing the Right Treatment for Cancer Patients

Cancer remains one of the biggest challenges to modern medicine, affecting millions of lives worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most up-to-date data shows that 1.6 million new cancer cases were reported in the United States in 2020.

In the past few decades, significant strides have been made in cancer treatment, particularly with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These two approaches have revolutionized oncology, offering patients hope and extending survival rates. However, each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences between chemotherapy and immunotherapy is crucial for patients. It is important to discuss your diagnosis with a board-certified oncologist, who will help guide you through your treatment options.

According to Laurie E. Douglas, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, comprehensive care planning and coordination is key to helping patients and their families navigate a difficult cancer diagnosis, and no patient’s treatment is the same. “We offer individualized care to every patient. Every treatment plan is designed with your unique diagnosis and goals in mind,” Douglas said. “We are focused on prolonging and improving the quality of your life.”

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, often referred to simply as “chemo,” is a widely recognized treatment for various types of cancer. Chemotherapy disrupts the growth and division of cancer cells by damaging their DNA. By doing so, chemotherapy aims to stop the spread of cancer and reduce the size of tumors, ultimately helping to eliminate the disease.

Chemotherapy may be used at various stages of cancer, depending on the type and the extent of the disease. It can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments. It can be used as a primary treatment for cancer, or it may be recommended before or after surgery to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. In advanced cases where a cure may not be possible, chemotherapy can still help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

While chemotherapy can be highly effective in treating cancer, it often comes with a range of side effects, which vary depending on the type and dosage of drugs used, as well as individual factors such as overall health and tolerance to the drugs. Side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, bone marrow suppression and cognitive changes.

Navigating these challenges can be emotionally and physically taxing. Having family, friends or support groups to talk to can help patients cope with the side effects. It is also important for patients to communicate openly with their oncologists so adjustments in the treatment can be made to reduce side effects, if needed.

Francis Garner Bell, DO, with Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, says it is important for patients to know the side effects of chemotherapy but not let that deter them from treatment. “We understand that the idea of chemotherapy can be daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the risks,” Bell said. “It is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, offering patients hope, extended life expectancy and improved quality of life.”

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy operates by harnessing the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating abnormal cells, including cancerous ones. However, cancer cells often evade immune detection, allowing them to multiply quickly. Immunotherapy works by unleashing the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. There are different types of immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapy is used at various stages of cancer treatment, depending on the type and extent of the disease. It can be used as a primary treatment, in combination with other therapies or as a later-stage option for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy.

One of the key advantages of immunotherapy is its potential for long-term remission. Unlike chemotherapy, which primarily targets the tumor itself, immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to mount a sustained anti-cancer response. This can lead to prolonged survival rates and improved quality of life for patients with certain types of cancer. Additionally, immunotherapy is often associated with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy, as it specifically targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.

Immunotherapy does come with its own set of drawbacks, though. While immunotherapy has shown remarkable success in certain cases, it is not effective for all patients or all types of cancer. Response rates vary widely depending on factors such as tumor type, stage, and the patient’s immune health. And while it does not have as many side effects as other treatments, immunotherapy can trigger immune-related adverse events that can affect various organs and systems in the body, ranging from mild to severe. Immunotherapy drugs can also be very expensive and access to the treatment may be limited for some individuals.

However, scientific research continues to refine immunotherapy to optimize its benefits and reduce drawbacks. The oncology team at Hattiesburg Clinic is active in the National Cancer Institute, sponsored by the Community Clinical Oncology Program. They are also affiliated with several national research groups, which bring the latest cancer treatments to Hattiesburg. Additionally, they actively seek trials that contribute to the mission of curing and preventing cancer in our lifetime.

John S. “Bo” Hrom, MD, FACP, oversees the oncology clinical trial program. “Our physicians have been active in oncology research for over 20 years,” Hrom said. “Through clinical studies, we explore new treatments that could improve your health and the health of millions all over the world.”

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

The expert oncologists at Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology have more than 50 years combined experience in cancer-fighting care and are here to guide you through every step of your journey, providing the expertise, support and personalized attention you deserve. We offer the latest treatment options and participate in national research, providing hope to our patients and their families. At Hattiesburg Clinic, we consider ourselves partners in your fight against cancer, and we look forward to helping you live your life to the fullest. 

To learn more about the services provided at Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, call (601) 261-1700 or visit us online at www.hattiesburgclinic.com.