Cancer treatment has improved in recent years, with several options available to patients. One of the most convenient and effective treatment options that emerged during the 21st century is oral cancer medicines in tablets. This blog explores the several types of oral cancer medicines, their benefits, and potential side effects.
How do cancer grow
Cancer grows when normal cells undergo genetic mutations and division. The uncontrolled division of cells leads to the formation of a mass of cells called a tumour. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments vary widely and often involve a combination of approaches to effectively combat the disease. Here are some common types of cancer treatments:
- Surgery: The goal is to remove the cancerous tumour or as much of the cancer as possible.
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing.
- Radiation Therapy: Utilizes high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight cancer
- Oral Cancer Medicines: The drugs taken by mouth to treat cancerous cells in the mouth and throat. These medications can be in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids. They work by targeting and killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
Types of Oral Cancer Medicines
- Targeted Therapy Tablets: These tablets work by targeting specific genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth. These tablets are used for breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.
- Hormone Therapy Tablets: These tablets are used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. They work by blocking the production of hormones that fuel cancer growth.
- Chemotherapy Tablets: These tablets are used to treat various types of cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and solid tumours. They work by killing cancer cells or slowing their growth.
Benefits of Oral Cancer Medicines
- Convenience: Oral cancer medicines are easy to take and it reduces the need for frequent hospital visits. This convenience provides a sense of daily life without disruption.
- Effectiveness: Many oral cancer medicines are highly effective in treating several types of cancer. The medicines we intake are usually effective in targeting and killing particular cells which helps in cancer regrowth. Oral cancer medicines can be used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to enhance their effectiveness
- Reduced Side Effects: Oral cancer medicines have low side effects than traditional chemotherapy because are directly delivered into the bloodstream through an intravenous method.
Potential Side Effects of Oral Cancer Medicines
- Nausea and Vomiting: Many oral cancer medicines can cause nausea and vomiting, which can be managed with medication.
- Fatigue: Oral cancer medicines can cause fatigue, which can impact daily activities.
- Diarrhea or Constipation: Some oral cancer medicines can cause changes in bowel movements.
Examples of Oral Cancer Medicines
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): A hormone therapy tablet used to treat breast cancer.
- Imatinib (Gleevec): A targeted therapy tablet used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).
- Capecitabine: A chemotherapy tablet used to treat breast, colon, and rectal cancers.
Conclusion
Oral cancer medicines offer a convenient and effective treatment option for various types of cancer. But they can have potential side effects, many of these can be managed with medication. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if oral cancer medicines are a suitable treatment option.
