The microscopic tumors are not only hidden in the brain, but also in various other parts of the cancer patient’s body. Scientific research continues to offer the latest breakthroughs in the fight against malignant tumors, enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.
To learn more about the latest cancer treatment innovations, nadormagazine spoke with Dr. George Farhat, a specialist in oncology surgery at Mount Lebanon Hospital, who shared valuable insights on modern cancer treatments:
Dr. George Farhat:
What are the modern methods used today to target microscopic tumors that are difficult to access through traditional surgery?
Today, as doctors, we rely on stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a technique that is often called surgery, but in reality, it is not a traditional surgical procedure. No incision is made; it involves a session of regular radiation, but at a much higher dose, and with a longer duration.
What are the recent advancements in oncology surgery?
There have been significant advancements, especially in the last decade. Generally, there are three main methods used to treat cancerous tumors: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Regarding surgery, we have seen major improvements. We moved from large incisions to laparoscopic techniques, and now to robotic surgery, which is currently used in Lebanon and is yielding excellent results. We have gone from large incisions (about 20 cm) to smaller incisions (around 5 cm), and now we are performing surgeries with several small incisions through which the robot operates to destroy tumors.
Surgical oncology has advanced dramatically, and doctors now have a much deeper understanding of the disease and how to perform tumor excision. The goal is to use the least invasive techniques to minimize negative effects on the patient. This is the trend in surgery today.
In radiation, as I mentioned earlier, we used to give patients high doses of radiation over long periods without targeting specific areas, which meant healthy cells were also affected. This led to many side effects for patients.
However, today, with advanced technologies like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and stereotactic radiosurgery, we can target the tumor with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This makes radiation treatment much easier for patients compared to 5-10 years ago.
Chemotherapy has also seen revolutionary advances, with the development of targeted therapies that can target specific genes or receptors in cancer cells. Then came immunotherapy, which boosts the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells, rather than using chemical drugs. These therapies have significantly fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
These three modern treatments have allowed doctors to achieve high success rates in cancer treatment with fewer complications and side effects.
Can stereotactic radiosurgery be used for all types of tumors in the body?
Brain tumors are now treated using radiation surgery. In the past, it was used as an alternative to traditional surgery, but today, with advanced techniques and extensive studies, stereotactic radiosurgery has proven to deliver the same results as classical surgery. Since it has been successful for brain tumors, why not apply it to the rest of the body? This led to the development of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), where the tumor in any part of the body receives a high dose of radiation, while the surrounding tissues get much lower doses. This reduces the risk of side effects.
The choice between the two methods depends on a multidisciplinary medical team (surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, and tissue specialist). The team evaluates the case and determines the appropriate treatment plan based on factors like the patient’s age, health status, tumor location, and stage.
Can you briefly compare stereotactic radiosurgery with traditional surgery for tumors?
Both methods have their pros and cons:
Traditional surgery, which involves making an incision to remove the tumor, is the standard treatment used for centuries. It is highly effective but requires an incision and general anesthesia, which could lead to complications like infection and bleeding.
On the other hand, stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve an incision, significantly reducing the risk of infection and bleeding. In 99% of cases, it does not require anesthesia.
While stereotactic radiosurgery is much younger (about 20 years old), it has proven to be effective, particularly for treating pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer, and prostate cancer. However, it’s important to note that radiation treatment comes with its own challenges. As doctors, we aim to focus a large dose of radiation on the tumor while avoiding surrounding healthy tissue, but sometimes these tissues may still be affected. For example, when treating prostate cancer, we try to protect nearby tissues like the rectum and bladder, but some side effects, like burning sensations when urinating, may occur. However, studies have shown that these side effects are minimal compared to the high cure rates achieved with radiation therapy.
What are the methods of cancer prevention?
We need a national plan that involves the collective efforts of medical professionals, hospitals, and civil society organizations to raise awareness about cancer prevention methods and ensure they reach all segments of society.
Breast cancer: Every woman should have a mammogram once a year starting at age 40 (or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer).
Cervical cancer: Every married woman should have a Pap smear test for early detection of cervical cancer, which can save her life.
Colon cancer: Anyone over 45 should undergo a colonoscopy every 5 years for early detection of colon and rectal cancer.
Prostate cancer: Men over 50 should have a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test to detect prostate cancer.
There's also growing discussion about the importance of lung scans for people at high risk of cancer (smokers, those with a family history, and older individuals).
Public awareness is essential, especially regarding risks like hookah and vaping, which are proven to harm the body, as well as tanning beds, which can lead to skin cancer.
Note from nadormagazine: Before applying any of these treatments or therapies, please consult with a medical professional.
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