Cancer Types

» tinuviel - Catch 22?

Since the risk astrocytoma is thought to increase as a result of previous radiotherapy, isn't radiotherapy as a form of treatment a little risky? Do some patients get trapped in a cycle of cancer treatment leading to more cancer? Is chemotherapy usually preferred to radiotherapy--or can these treatments even be used interchangeably?

-- posted by tinuviel

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» P_Al - Catch 22?

In response to Catch 22? posted by tinuviel:

These are common questions. All forms of therapy do have side effects. The general aim of management is to provide the patient with the best current methods available having done a risk/benefit analysis.

Remember that many of these children may not have survived to adulthood had it not been for their radiotherapy. Also consider that many who survived, in part because of their radiotherapy, will never develop other tumours.

It may seem like a catch 22 situation. However, when you are faced with a child whose tumour management can be enhanced by adding radiotherapy and when many will not have major complications later on, the decision is fairly straight forward.

In terms of chemo vs radiotherapy. There isn't a single answer. There are countless clinical trials comparing various combinations of therapies for many types of cancer. It is the results of these that determine the recommended protocols.
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-- posted by P_Al

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