Systemic therapy is a pivotal component in the comprehensive landscape of cancer treatment, aiming to reach cancer cells throughout the entire body. This approach involves the administration of drugs or other substances that can travel through the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells wherever they may be located. Unlike localized treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy, systemic therapy is particularly effective against cancer that has spread to distant sites, offering a holistic strategy to combat the disease.
Systemic therapy encompasses various modalities, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine. Chemotherapy employs drugs that circulate in the bloodstream, disrupting the growth and division of rapidly dividing cancer cells. Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to identify and eliminate cancer cells, while hormone therapy interferes with hormonal signals that drive certain types of cancers. Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, and precision medicine tailors treatment based on an individual's genetic makeup. The diverse approaches under systemic therapy highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies to enhance effectiveness while minimizing side effects.