Research presented at the world’s largest cancer conference indicates that reducing the intensity of treatments for certain cancers can improve patient quality of life without compromising effectiveness. This trend, focusing on minimizing interventions like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, is evident in studies on ovarian and esophageal cancer as well as Hodgkin lymphoma.
Three decades ago, cancer treatment strategies typically emphasized more aggressive approaches. For instance, advanced breast cancer patients were subjected to extreme chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, which ultimately proved no more effective than chemotherapy alone and led to significant patient suffering.
Today, researchers are re-evaluating the necessity of such aggressive treatments. “Do we need all that treatment that we have used in the past?” This question, according to Dr. Tatjana Kolevska, medical director for the Kaiser Permanente National Cancer Excellence Program, needs continual examination.
Dr. William G. Nelson of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, not involved in the new studies, noted that modern cancer treatments are becoming more effective and easier to tolerate, with fewer short-term and long-term complications.
The following studies highlight this trend:
Ovarian Cancer
A French study found that avoiding the removal of healthy-looking lymph nodes during surgery for advanced ovarian cancer is safe. Comparing 379 patients, those who had lymph nodes removed showed no survival advantage after nine years over those who did not. The latter group experienced fewer complications, such as the need for blood transfusions. This research was funded by France’s National Institute of Cancer.
Esophageal Cancer
A German study examined 438 patients with a treatable form of esophageal cancer. One group received chemotherapy and surgery, while the other received chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Both methods are standard, depending on treatment location. After three years, 57% of patients who had chemo and surgery were alive, compared to 51% of those who also had radiation. The German Research Foundation funded this study.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
In a comparison of chemotherapy regimens for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, the less intensive treatment proved more effective and caused fewer side effects. After four years, the less harsh regimen controlled the disease in 94% of patients, versus 91% for the more intense treatment. This trial included 1,482 participants across nine countries and was funded by Takeda Oncology.
This shift towards less intensive treatments represents a significant step forward in cancer care, aiming to enhance patient quality of life while maintaining effective disease control.
