How are higher gastrointestinal cancers treated?

The treatment of higher gastrointestinal cancers (GI) depends on several factors, including the type, location and stage of cancer (how far it has progressed). Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neoadjuvant / adjuvant treatment and targeted drug treatment.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

Surgery

Surgery can be used to remove cancer entirely, for relief of symptoms or for additional treatments.

Some surgeries that can be offered include:

• Resection of endoscopic mucous membranes: Some early GI cancers can be treated using an endoscope (a tube -shaped instrument that has a light, a lens and tools to eliminate tissues)
• Esophandomy: Withdrawal from all or part of the esophagus. Several types are possible, especially Transhiatal esophagus (Incisions in the neck and the abdomen), and Ivor-lewis esophagectomy (incisions on the right side of the chest and the abdomen)
• Lymphadenectomy: Withdrawal and dissection of one or more lymph nodes
• Gastrectomy: Removing the stomach. Can be total (whole stomach) or partial (part of the stomach)
• Sewn intestine resection: The withdrawal of part of the small intestine
• Insertion of food tube: A device is inserted through the abdomen in the stomach or small intestines to provide nutrition
• Gastric bypass (Gastrojejunostomy)): Part of the small intestine is attached to the upper part of the stomach, giving food a new path to leave the stomach
• Ablation of the endoscopic tumor: An endoscope with a laser is used to spray parts of the tumor
• STENT Placement: A stent (hollow metal tube) is placed in the opening at the beginning or at the end of the stomach to keep it open and leave the food

Chemotherapy

With chemotherapy, anti-cancer drugs are given per mouth in the form of pills or are injected into a vein, using a intravenous (Iv) line or a central venous catheter. Medicines go to all regions of the body, which makes it useful to treat cancer that has metastasis (spread from your place of origin). It can also be used to reduce or slow down cancers and improve the symptoms of cancers that cannot be completely removed surgically.

Chemotherapy is given in treatment cycles followed by rest.

Many different drugs can be used for chemotherapy, depending on several factors. Medicines can also be used in combination with other drugs or other treatments.

Radiotherapy

With radiotherapy, rays or high energy particles are used to kill cancer cells in specific areas of the body. It is similar to obtaining an x ​​-ray, but the radiation is much stronger. It can be used for:

• Help shrink a tumor before surgery to facilitate suppression
• Kill cancer cells that have not been eliminated by surgery to help delay or prevent recurrences
• Slow down growth or facilitate the symptoms of cancers that cannot be removed by surgery

The treatment itself is painless and only takes a few minutes, but planning and configuration in advance take longer. Repeated sessions are generally necessary and the course depends on the details of the cancer.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy

Chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to make the tumor small for elimination, or after surgery (adjuvant) to kill all cancer cells that can be left after all visible cancer has been removed.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies can increase survival rates.

Targeted drug therapy

Targeted drug therapy uses more recent drugs that specifically target changes in cells that cause cancer. They sometimes work when standard chemotherapy drugs do not do so and often have different side effects. Ask your health care provider on the possible side effects of the drug.

Targeted drug therapy may include:

• Drugs that target Her2, as trastuzumab And FAM-TRESTUZUMAB DERUXECAN
• Drugs that target the VEGF, as Ramucirumab
• TRK inhibitors, like Larotrac And entreed
• Drugs that target as Zolbetximab

Possible side effects and processing complications

Treatments can have side effects and complications.

Possible side effects and surgery complications may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Damage to neighboring organs

The possible side effects of radiotherapy generally disappear in a few weeks following the end of treatment and may include:

• Skin problems in areas where radiation has passed (such as redness, blisters or coats)
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low number of blood cells

The side effects of chemotherapy generally disappear when the treatment is finished and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Mouth wounds
• Loss
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Easy bleeding or bruising

Tell your health care provider if you meet side effects. Drugs can be given to prevent or reduce symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Some chemo drugs have specific side effects. Ask your health care provider what to monitor.

Main to remember

• The treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancer depends on factors such as the type of cancer, the location and the stage.
• Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neoadjuvant / adjuvant treatment and targeted drugs.
• Consult your health care provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.