New Weapons in the Fight Against Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is always scary, but researchers are developing new treatments and techniques to help doctors and patients better battle the disease. Here are a few new developments:

Targeted radiation: "IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) is a new technology that allows us to focus more on a tumor, sparing normal structures," explains Michael Payne, M.D., a radiation oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Irving. It can be used for almost all types of cancer, and doctors determine if a patient might benefit from this treatment on a case-by-case basis. The technique can reduce the side effects of radiation and possibly allow doctors to administer a higher dose of radiation, increasing the likelihood that the tumor will be destroyed.

Expedited breast cancer treatment: Doctors have been treating breast cancer with radiation for years, but the process typically takes five to seven weeks. Now, after a lump is removed, the surgeon can place a balloon catheter inside the cavity, and radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor's source via this catheter. It cuts the radiation treatment time down to one week, which is a boon to everyone and is particularly valuable for women traveling from rural areas and women in overall poor health.

Targeted therapies: Chemotherapy treatments affect systems throughout the body, killing cancer cells but causing side effects as well. New targeted therapies use antibodies against proteins, reducing side effects. "We're offering new therapies for lymphoma, lung, head and neck cancers," explains Margaret Sunderland, M.D., a medical oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor Irving.

Researchers are studying genetic patterns, which could help predict which breast cancer patients will see their disease return.

Predicting recurrence: Researchers are studying genetic patterns, which are showing promise in predicting which breast cancer patients will see their disease return. And for other diseases, "The capability of computers to make sense of enormous amounts of data is proving useful for predictions," Dr. Sunderland says.

Better medications: New drugs for treating colon cancer are improving odds for survival. "It's always exciting to prevent recurrence," Dr. Sunderland says.

By Stephanie Thurrott

For more information about cancer care at Baylor Irving, call 1-800-4BAYLOR (1-800-422-9567).