Whenever the word “cancer” is mentioned, many people jump to the conclusion that chemotherapy is the only treatment option available. This could not be further from the truth.

Chemotherapy is one of the many treatments available for cancer and is often used in a combination of treatments, or not used at all. While the main treatment of cancer may have been chemotherapy in the past, new technology and further research are continuing to allow for evolving cancer care options in Nevada and around the world.

At Sierra Nevada Cancer Center, a few methods are used to treat cancer. Biological therapies, cancer vaccines, and immunotherapy are all used as effective treatments of cancer — in addition to chemotherapy.

This post will provide a broad description of a few of these treatment options. But remember: Your oncologist will determine your best course of treatment based on your specific cancer and history.

Biological Therapies

Biological therapies are therapies that use your body’s natural defense system to fight cancer itself, the effects of cancer or the effects of other treatments of cancer. The National Cancer Institute further explains biological therapies: “Biological therapy involves the use of living organisms, substances derived from living organisms, or laboratory-produced versions of such substances to treat disease.”

Dr. Jorge Perez, MD, PhD, MRCP, MRCPath, and his staff at Sierra Nevada Cancer Center keep themselves well-versed on the latest and most effective treatments of cancer available, like biological therapies, to bring better cancer care in Nevada.

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer vaccines can be used in the treatment of cancer to stimulate or repair parts of your body’s immune system to promote the defense against cancer or your body’s ability to fight cancer itself. There are two kinds of cancer vaccines: preventative vaccines and treatment vaccines. fenbendazole for humans