Experts examine what preventive chemotherapy treatment Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, is receiving. Cancer when Duration of surgery Inside Belly In January, how it works and when to use it.
Kate said she was assumed to be cancer-free at the time of surgery, but post-surgery tests proved otherwise.
Also known as Adjunctive therapyPreventive chemotherapy Often used after surgery Reduces the chance of cancer coming back and spreading.
The Lawrence YoungProfessor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Warwick explains: “Even after successful surgical removal of all known cancers, Small cancer cells may hidden in the body and cannot be detected by current tests.
When is preventive chemotherapy used?
Leading Cancer Specialist and Consultant Oncologist Dr. Carol Sikora told Sky News, “Mr The risk of recurrence is high».
“The way the treatment is being given is much better now, it's done more professionally and he's going to get better care.”
He explains that doctors can predict “The right treatment for the right patient. Although it is unpleasant, chemotherapy can be very beneficial.”
Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore explains Common procedure after multiple surgeries.
“They did tests on the cells and that's when they discovered they were cancerous,” he explains.
“When they talk about preventive chemotherapy, if there are other cells left after surgery, they need to be sure. They are not the seeds of cancer that grow back“, he points out.
The NHS describes adjuvant chemotherapy as 'chemotherapy'.Reduces the risk of cancer coming back after radiation therapy or surgery».
Cancer can “escape” from the organ of origin
Dr Mangesh Thorat, a specialist professor at Queen Mary University of London and a surgeon at Homerton University Hospital, says: Tests cannot detect microscopic cancersSo preventive treatments are used when cancer is known to be present.
Diagnosed with cancer after surgery, the decision was made to give the princess chemotherapy. Ensure that any remaining cancer cells are destroyed.
“Surgery is the most curative treatment for early-stage solid organ cancers. However, occasionally, some cancer cells leave the organ of origin and begin to colonize in other organs, such as the lungs or liver. Tests available today cannot detect such microscopic spread and, therefore, improve the chances of a cure. Treatment for such potential spread is carried out even after the cancer in the solid organ of origin has been completely removed.“, he says.
According to the expert: “Depending on the type of cancer, a series of drugs are used that can reach all the organs of the body where such spread has occurred. Chemotherapy is one such treatment. Medicines The It is especially active in rapidly dividing cellsFor example in cancer cells, it kills them.”
Is the treatment related to the patient's age?
Another expert describes preventive chemotherapy as “like mopping the floor with bleach after you spill something. Chemotherapy also kills the shed cells».
«Age does not affect the success rate of chemotherapyThese are more common in young people, unless the cancers are “immunotherapy” – a type of which is called chemotherapy. Immunotherapy.
“It suggests that younger people can tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy better, so they may be given stronger treatment plans that are more likely to kill the remaining cells,” he continues.
Chemotherapy treatment is given Usually between three and 12 monthsDepending on the type of cancer, it is highlighted.
How is preventive chemotherapy given?
Pat Price, chairman of Radiotherapy UK and a leading oncologist, said surgery would have removed the cancer.
“Sometimes there's a bit of concern about whether there's anything left in some of the tumors or whether it's at risk of coming back,” he tells Sky News.
Doctors Then they often use preventive chemotherapyUsually with Tablets or injection formsHe points.
It is usually given for a limited period of time Four or six months Later on DoneSo things “We believe“To be exact, insists the expert.
What are the risks?
He further explains that chemotherapy It affects all cells in a person – So Cancer cells and normal tissues.
It may happen later bone marrow and intestinal problems;Causes symptoms such as sensation Illness or low blood production.
But some people tolerate it better, he says.