We are all made up of millions of cells. Normally, these cells grow, divide, and are renewed, in a balanced and programmed manner. However, sometimes this process is disrupted, causing cells to grow uncontrollably. When this happens, the result can be a solid mass of these uncontrolled cells, known as a tumour.
A tumour, also referred to as a ‘growth,’ can be either benign or malignant. A benign tumour grows but does not spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, a malignant tumour can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant parts of the body.
Tumours spread by cells travelling through the lymphatic system to lymph nodes (sometimes called glands) or through the bloodstream to other organs. Once these cells settle in a new location, they can start to grow and form new tumours. When cancer spreads in this way, it’s known as metastatic cancer.
What types of cancer treatment are available?
Oncologists are doctors who specialise in treating cancer. They may use a combination of these treatments:
- Surgery. Often the first line of treatment for solid tumours, surgery involves removing the cancerous tumour and surrounding tissue to help prevent recurrence. Surgery may be combined with other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, administered before (neoadjuvant therapy) or after (adjuvant therapy) the surgery.
- Chemotherapy. This systemic treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously, orally, or through injections.
- Radiation therapy. High-energy radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells in a specific area. Radiation therapy can be external (external beam radiation) or internal (brachytherapy).
- Immunotherapy. This boosts the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells, using drugs like checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy. It is often used for cancers that do not respond well to traditional treatments.
- Targeted therapy. Medications target specific genes, proteins, or tissue environments involved in cancer growth. Targeted therapy is often used for cancers with specific genetic mutations, such as breast cancer or certain types of lung cancer.
- Hormone therapy. Used for hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers that may be stimulated by male or female hormones, this therapy blocks hormones or reduces hormone levels to slow or stop the growth of these cancers.
- Palliative care. For patients with advanced or incurable cancer, palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life by managing pain, reducing symptoms, and providing emotional support, either as a standalone plan or alongside other treatments.
Oncologists often use a combination of therapies to achieve the best outcomes. These may include:
- Multimodal therapy. Combining different types of treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, in a specific sequence. For example, chemotherapy and radiation may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, followed by surgery to remove it.
- Sequential therapy. Treatments are given in a specific order. For instance, chemotherapy might be used first to reduce the size of a tumour, followed by surgery, and then additional radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells.
- Concurrent therapy. Some therapies are administered simultaneously. For example, chemotherapy and radiation may be given together for certain cancers, such as head and neck cancers, to maximise the effectiveness of both treatments.
What is the difference between chemotherapy and immunotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses drugs designed to kill cancer cells by entering cells that are copying themselves and impairing that process, however, it can also affect other fast-growing cells such as hair follicles, bone marrow, and the digestive system. This broad-action treatment includes various types of medications, such as alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anti-tumour antibiotics, and plant alkaloids.
Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles over weeks or months and can cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, low blood count, and fatigue.
Immunotherapy, on the other hand, helps the immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. It can include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, or cytokines.
This treatment is more targeted than chemotherapy and is typically administered every 2-6 weeks. Patients might experience flu-like symptoms, skin reactions, or inflammatory responses. Immunotherapy is often used for cancers that are resistant to other treatments.
What support services are available for people with cancer?
There are numerous services across New Zealand that offer support to cancer patients. These include free talks run by psychologists, rehabilitation programmes, vouchers, and various resources. Learn more about the cancer support services available to patients.
What kind of lifestyle changes can support cancer treatment?
Lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, mental health support, and therapies like acupuncture or massage can help manage symptoms and improve well-being during cancer treatment.
If you have more questions about cancer care and treatment, visit our cancer treatment FAQ page to find out more.
