Stomach Cancer Treatments
Doctors often use a mix of treatments to help manage the disease, including QINLOCK, a medication for treating gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
QINLOCK (Ripretinib)
QINLOCK works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells grow. This helps stop the cancer from getting bigger and spreading. QINLOCK is taken as a pill and can be an important part of a treatment plan for some patients.
Surgery
Surgery is often used to remove the cancer from the stomach. The doctor may take out part of the stomach or the whole stomach, depending on how serious the cancer is. This can help to remove the cancer and may help the patient feel better.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. It can help shrink the tumors before surgery or kill any cancer cells that might be left after surgery. Chemotherapy is usually given through an IV or as pills. Patients may have side effects, but doctors work to manage them.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment may be used before or after surgery or to help relieve pain if the cancer has spread. The radiation is aimed at the area where the cancer is located. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy can have side effects, and doctors will help patients manage them.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a treatment that focuses on specific parts of cancer cells. These medicines attack cancer cells without harming normal cells. Targeted therapy can be used for certain types of stomach cancer that have specific genetic changes. This type of treatment is often used along with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body's own immune system fight cancer. This treatment helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be effective for some patients, especially if the cancer has certain markers that make it more likely to respond to this treatment.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments. Patients may have the chance to try new therapies that are not yet available to everyone. Joining a clinical trial can give patients access to cutting-edge treatments and help improve future care for others.
Supportive Care
Along with these treatments, supportive care is essential. This includes pain management, nutrition support and counseling. Supportive care helps improve the quality of life for patients as they go through treatment.
Navigating Stomach Cancer Treatments
Stomach cancer treatments vary for each patient. QINLOCK is an important option for some, while surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy may also be part of the plan. It’s crucial to work closely with doctors to find the best treatment for each individual. Remember, support is always available to help patients and their families through this difficult time.
Read on to learn about some treatments for bladder cancer.