Understanding Cancer and its Treatment Options
All cancers share a common genetic origin, arising from alterations in cellular DNA, also known as mutations. These alterations can be acquired or inherited and give cells the ability to grow uncontrollably, invading surrounding tissues and spreading through the lymphatic or blood circuit, according to Dr. Jaume Fernández Ibiza, coordinator of the radiation oncology unit at the Genesiscare Clínica Corachan 360 Center of Oncology Excellence.
In Spain, the most common cancer in men is prostate cancer, while breast cancer is the most common among women. Fortunately, these two types of cancer have high cure rates, with early detection playing a crucial role in increasing survival rates for cancers such as breast, colon, and cervix. The development of new, more effective treatments has also contributed to improving outcomes in advanced stages of the disease, including lung, breast, kidney, and melanoma cancer.
As Dr. Fernández Ibiza explains, “thanks to early detection and the development of more targeted therapeutic targets, greater survival has been achieved in breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and melanoma. In these tumor types, we achieve an overall 5-year survival of between 70 and 90% of cases.” This significant improvement in survival rates is a testament to the progress being made in cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Radiotherapy: A Pillar of Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy is one of the primary pillars of cancer treatment, alongside surgery and chemotherapy. Up to 60% of cancer patients require radiotherapy at some point during their illness, with its indications increasing due to technological advances and improvements in systemic treatments. Radiotherapy has been used to treat cancer for over 125 years, with its first application in cutaneous and superficial lesions, and later expanding to other areas as technology improved.
Dr. Fernández Ibiza explains that radiotherapy acts locally, eradicating tumors without the need for surgery and minimizing side effects. This treatment option is particularly useful in non-operable cases or when surgery would be too disabling. With advancements in technology, radiotherapy can now be performed with high precision, reducing local side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Dr. Jaume Fernández Ibiza, oncologist at the Corachan Clinic / EPE
Side Effects of Radiotherapy
As a local treatment, the side effects of radiotherapy depend on the area treated, dose, and technique used. Common side effects include fatigue, general malaise, and skin reactions such as erythema or hair loss. In cases where mucous membranes are irradiated, mucositis or diarrhea may occur. While these effects are generally reversible, there is a low risk of chronic effects or sequelae, which is decreasing with advancements in technology.
Technological Innovation in Radiotherapy
The latest generation of radiotherapy devices incorporates high-precision techniques such as IMRT and VMAT, which modulate radiation intensity to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) also enables verification of radiation administration during sessions, reducing uncertainty and improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, artificial intelligence is being used to automate and improve various aspects of the treatment process.
The indications for radiotherapy are based on the location and phase of the disease, with up to 60% of patients requiring it at some point. Radiotherapy is a crucial part of the treatment protocol for many tumors, including breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer. While some tumor types are more resistant to radiotherapy, advancements in technology are increasing its effectiveness and expanding its indications.
Current Challenges in Cancer Treatment
According to Dr. Fernández Ibiza, the main challenges in addressing cancer include improving the therapeutic index, investigating new targeted therapies, and optimizing early detection and molecular diagnosis programs. Research is focusing on developing new molecular targets and immunotherapy, which acts on activation pathways of the immune system to help attack the tumor.
The incidence of cancer is increasing in certain types, such as lung cancer in women, due to increased tobacco consumption. In contrast, lung cancer incidence rates in men are declining. There is also a slight increase in the incidence rates of breast cancer, pancreatic, kidney, thyroid, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancers in both sexes.
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