Colon Cancer Treatment in Kolkata typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and specific characteristics of the tumor. Here is an overview of the common treatment options:
- Surgery:
- Polypectomy and local excision: For early-stage cancers or polyps, removal during a colonoscopy may suffice.
- Colectomy: Partial or total removal of the colon, often with nearby lymph nodes, is common for more advanced stages.
- Colostomy: If necessary, an opening (stoma) is created for waste to leave the body.
- Radiation Therapy:
- Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
- Often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after to kill remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy:
- Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
- Can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors, after surgery (adjuvant) to kill remaining cells, or for advanced cancer to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Targeted Therapy:
- Uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
- Examples include monoclonal antibodies like bevacizumab (Avastin) and cetuximab (Erbitux).
- Immunotherapy:
- Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Includes drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) for certain patients, especially those with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors.
- Clinical Trials:
- Patients may consider participating in clinical trials to access new and emerging treatments.
Lifestyle and Supportive Care for Colon Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
- Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet to maintain strength and energy.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise to improve overall health and well-being.
- Psychological Support: Counseling and support groups for emotional well-being.
- Palliative Care: Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
Follow-up Care with
Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term side effects of Colon Cancer Treatment in Kolkata. This may include periodic imaging tests, colonoscopies, and blood tests.
It’s important to consult with Dr. Satadru Biswas, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff, to develop a personalized treatment plan.