The intention of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells and shrink malignant tumors. It can extend survival in patients diagnosed with various malignancies. However, well-known and unfortunate consequences of chemotherapy are the harsh, potential side-effects (including cardio-toxicity, neurotoxicity, mucosititis, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, cramps and hair loss) that engender harmful problems to the human body. These side-effects can be temporary or cause permanent challenges, and limit dose intensity and the consistent-scheduled implementation of treatment cycles. Some patients undergoing cancer treatment fear the toxic side-effects even more than the cancer.
What is the Difference Between Conventional, Integrative, and Alternative Cancer Care?
In today’s world, the standard of care is generally defined as: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Conventional Cancer Therapies
Most conventional cancer therapies, which are prescribed and directed by mainstream doctors, are comprised of what is known as the “standard of care.” In today’s world, the standard of care is generally defined as: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These are the primary modalities used in conventional cancer therapy, however, there are others, including hormonal and, more recently, novel immunotherapies. We are at the dawn of the immunotherapeutic age and this is not a perfected therapy, but there appears to be new hope and progress in this treatment realm. In fact, there is “no perfect therapy” for all cancers and cancer patients. But, there are many therapeutic paths that can provide great benefit, and that includes therapies that “are not” strictly standard of care therapies.