When it comes to treating kidney cancer, combination therapy has become increasingly popular among doctors. Combination therapy is the use of two or more drugs or treatments to attack cancer cells.
This form of treatment can be more effective than using one treatment alone. Recent studies have shown that combination therapy can enhance survival rates in patients with kidney cancer.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys, the bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage on each side of the spine. The kidneys remove waste and excess fluids from the body, and they also produce urine.
Kidney cancer is usually found when a doctor is looking for another problem. When kidney cancer is diagnosed, there are several treatment options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Why Combination Therapy is Effective for Kidney Cancer
Combination therapy for kidney cancer involves the use of two or more treatments together. This could be two chemotherapy drugs or a combination of surgery and radiation therapy.
The idea behind combination therapy is to attack cancer cells from different angles, making it more difficult for them to survive.
Combination therapy is effective because it targets the weaknesses of cancer cells and strengthens the patient’s immune system.
When drugs are used together, it can reduce the chance of a cancer cell developing resistance to one treatment, increasing the chance of successful treatment.
Recent Study on Combination Therapy for Kidney Cancer
Recently, a study was conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to see if combination therapy could enhance survival rates in patients with kidney cancer. The study looked at patients who had undergone both surgery and immunotherapy.
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It was found that the patients who had undergone both treatments had a 30% lower risk of death than those who had undergone only one treatment.
The study also found that patients who underwent combination treatment had a longer progression-free survival rate, meaning they were living with kidney cancer for longer before it started to spread.
This is a significant finding as kidney cancer tends to spread quite quickly.
Other Benefits of Combination Therapy
Aside from enhancing survival rates, there are several other benefits of combination therapy for kidney cancer.
Increased Tumor Response Rates
Combining drugs can increase the tumor response rate. This means that the cancer cells respond better to treatment.
Reduced Side Effects of Treatment
Combination therapy can also reduce the side effects of treatment. For example, when chemotherapy is combined with surgery, the amount of chemotherapy needed is reduced, which means the patient is less likely to experience severe side effects.
Improved Quality of Life
Combination therapy can also improve the patient’s quality of life. The reduction in side effects means that patients can continue with their daily activities and maintain their quality of life.
Conclusion
Combination therapy is an effective treatment for kidney cancer. It enhances survival rates, reduces side effects, and improves the patient’s quality of life.
Recent studies have shown that patients who undergo combination therapy have a lower risk of death and a longer progression-free survival rate. If you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, talk to your doctor about the benefits of combination therapy.
