Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually, or nearly one in six deaths. It poses a physical, emotional and financial burden on individuals, families, societies and governments.
Cancer research is one of the most significant areas of research in healthcare worldwide. The inventions that led to the rapid COVID-19 vaccine developments originally were aimed at curing cancer – the mRNA technology, for example. Today, it has become a forward-looking concept for cancer immunotherapy, and researchers expect the field to grow convincingly in the future.
The three essential levels in cancer care are
- prevention and diagnosis,
- treatment,
- and monitoring of the disease
can help beat cancer for good. The technologies we list below are separated according to these phases.
Prevention and diagnosis
Cancer diagnosis must be early and accurate. Many cancer types cannot yet be detected early enough, while others are caught in time but treated too severely. This notion requires excellent healthcare facilities, new diagnosis technologies, and the proactivity of patients. We’ll see the following fields to earn additional momentum in the coming years.
1. Liquid biopsy
Liquid biopsy is the analysis of tumours using biomarkers circulating in fluids such as the blood. It can be used for the early detection of cancer. During cancer treatments, re-biopsies are needed to adjust the treatment plan. It means taking a new sample from the ever-changing tumour to define the next step of the therapy. With the current invasive biopsy techniques, this is a considerable challenge for patients and medical professionals alike. Fluid biopsy extracts cancer cells from a simple blood sample. The use of biomarkers in the blood is transforming cancer diagnosis already, and I firmly believe the method should be the primary process for all biopsies where possible.
2. Real-time cancer diagnostics
There are multiple exciting technologies for the diagnosis of tumours during surgery. A large-scale study in 2019 found that over 20% of women who had breast cancer had to undergo a second operation because malignant cells had been left undetected the first time. A new tool that got the FDA breakthrough device designation in October 2020 aims to solve this issue. OncoRes Medical’s imaging device provides essential intraoperative information available to surgeons during a lumpectomy. The handheld device uses AI to assist with identifying tumour and healthy tissue, thereby substantially improving outcomes in breast-conserving surgery and reducing repeat operations for women with breast cancer.
3. Understanding genetic and lifestyle causes of diseases
By getting some explicit knowledge about what genetic and environmental factors lead to the different types of cancers, including the given patient’s genetic makeup; it would be possible to catch cancer in its infancy. This requires process innovation in healthcare and more precise and specific cancer biomarkers supported by better screening technologies. For example, when I took the Atlas Biomed genetic test, I learnt a lot about my own body and how it works, and by knowing the risk factors, I was able to design a preventive plan with my primary care physicians and my genetic counsellor. On the downside, Atlas doesn’t examine the gene variants for complex cancer risks.
However, another company, Dante Labs does so. Their DNA package contains a hereditary cancer report with risks, e.g. for colorectal or prostate cancer, but I must warn you to take these results with caution: risks and actual diseases are two different things.
Treatment
Cancer treatment varies from surgery and various therapies to destroy any malignant cells in the body, targeted therapies and stem cell transplants. Biomarkers can help determine what kind of therapy would work best. Precision oncology helps find the available targeted therapies. The price of new drugs is going up steeply, and personalised drugs cost even more – but they bear the promise of being more effective than generic medications. As medical and technological innovations expand cancer treatment, the possibility for super-focused drugs is getting nearer in oncology treatments.
4. Next-generation targeted therapies
There are drugs that can block cancer growth or spread by interfering with specific molecules involved in the development, progression, and spread of cancer. Such targeted therapies are designed only to stop cancerous cells, using information about a person’s genes and proteins. Such precision drugs can contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, resulting in unbounded patient benefits. Next-generation targeted therapies have already gained momentum in the past couple of years. I expect the field to take off rapidly as the costs of the technology will inevitably go down as the technology will be more available, therefore more affordable.
5. Molecular cancer diagnostics
Matching the right targeted therapy to the right patient based on the individual molecular genetic alterations in each cancer patient’s tumour is a promising and attractive precision oncology approach. Oncompass Medicine uses AI-based algorithms to match genetic mutations found in patients’ tumour samples with effective targeted cancer therapies. This way, patients can receive precisely targeted treatments specific to the kind of cancerous tissue they have. Their RealTime Oncology Treatment Calculator can significantly improve the selection of the right targeted therapy for each cancer patient based on the individual molecular genetic profile of their cancer.
6. AI-based therapy design
Even if we can extract tumour cells from blood and sequence their DNA as fast as possible, deciding on the treatment is still a struggle. No oncologist can see through the millions of studies and thousands of clinical trials by keeping all of the patient’s parameters and mutations in mind. However, artificial intelligence algorithms can. In the U.K., Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge uses Project InnerEye, an AI deep-learning tool supporting the treatment of cancer patients. The AI analyses hospital data to identify tumours on patient scans.
And it’s amazingly reliable, cutting CT processing times and treatment planning by up to 90%. Dutch researchers developed an evolutionary algorithm with intelligent search behaviour to generate better solutions at an ever-increasing speed. The AI created “better plans and more insight than the doctors thought possible.”
7. In silico trials
In principle, clinical trials take years and cost more than 2 billion dollars for every approved treatment. The number of failed drug candidates is enormous, so spending years and millions on a clinical trial is no guarantee to lead to an approved treatment. However, the world of clinical trials is changing. Trials should unquestionably use more data and AI models. It is inevitable to build the right skill sets to implement new technologies. Novel approaches like in silico trials with advanced biological networks, organs-on-a-chip or even network medicine will then help choose the right drug candidates within seconds.
8. DNA cages
Most cancer treatments today destroy not only cancerous cells but also healthy ones. The ultimate goal is to deliver drugs only to cells that need to be treated. Using DNA cages holding medications might be the answer. Cancer cells can trigger the DNA cage to open, and thus the drug could only impact those cells, but not the healthy ones. The next level of this targeted therapy is investigated at The Imperial College London, where researchers used light as a trigger to open the cage and release the drug inside.
9. Precision surgery
Surgeons using surgical robots such as DaVinci are capable of performing operations with previously unachievable precision. By making the robot an extension of the surgeon’s mind and skills, operating tumours in early stages or tumours close to sensitive organs might become more feasible than ever. Surgical robots today have 3D cameras that can record operations and stream at the same time. The robot’s added value is to assist the surgeon in suturing, dissecting and retracting tissue, leading to more precision in surgery than ever.
Monitoring and providing care
A cancer diagnosis is a traumatic event for everyone. Although patients meet their caregivers in person many times, they are often left to cope with chronic pain or powerful side effects for the rest of the treatment and recovery process. New technologies could improve their experience – as well as the experience of their loved ones around them.
10. Embedded, implanted and digestible sensors
In many cases, measuring health parameters at home would be a huge addition to cancer care. Measuring body temperature, for example, is key in monitoring the effects of chemotherapy. What if a sensor on the patient’s skin could constantly measure body temperature and notify the patient when the fever goes up? Digestible pillcams could be used to perform non-invasive routine checkups on the digestive system at home. Implanted sensors or digital tattoos could monitor every important vital sign, triggering an alarm to both the patient and the caregiver, so interventions can be planned as quickly as possible.
While there’s a large set of wearables oncology patients could use for at-home monitoring of vital signs or physical activities, these devices aren’t used much for this purpose. Both studies on the issue and medical education are missing. However, embedded or implanted sensors (like in a contact lens, where the tear film is suited to detect cancer biomarkers) have a huge potential in the future.
11. Measuring lab markers at home
The pandemic has pushed healthcare to use at-home lab tests more widely. During chemotherapy, blood markers, especially white blood cell count, must be checked routinely to make sure the patient’s immune system is still intact.
Cancer patients with easily compromised immune systems face more challenges in this regard when visiting busy hospitals. Point-of-care testing (POCT) can provide a viable option. At-home testing and diagnostic options will keep patients safe and their immune systems intact.
12. Patient networks
Networking sites such as SmartPatients (originally a cancer patient empowering site) were designed to help patients find and support each other. These channels offer a lively community where patients, families and caregivers learn from each other about treatments, clinical trials or the latest science. The feeling of community and seeing others cope with the same hardships can boost not just the mental but also the physical well-being of cancer patients.
13. Pain management
Cancer and its treatments can induce extreme, chronic pain. In the past, cancer patients were relegated to continuous, increasing doses of painkillers and opioids. Companies are now developing devices that help ease symptoms and side effects. A good example is Quell, a wearable technology with intensive nerve stimulation clinically proven to help manage chronic pain. It’s FDA-approved and clinically proven to relieve chronic pain. Another technology, virtual reality, can also serve cancer patients in pain reduction by distracting the patients. Although the effectiveness of adjunctive therapy is not entirely measurable, respondents found the therapy to be beneficial.
These technologies show a glimpse into the future – and in some cases, that future is here already. We need to keep on pushing the limits to get to a stage where the diagnosis of cancer is not a life-altering event that often brings an untimely end to a patient’s life, but at least a manageable, chronic condition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Therefore, cancer patients seek other therapies, such as complementary medicine. Studies have shown that half of all cancer patients have tried alternative treatments at least once.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
Other reasons include the following:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.
What are alternatives to medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, energy healing techniques, such as Reiki, and acupuncture.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. Examples of alternative medicine include meditation, yoga and aromatherapy.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. This is not a substitute for standard treatment. Rather, it is an option that allows patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.
It is important not to forget that some CAM modalities overlap or complement conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. But, naturopaths are more concerned with lifestyle changes than prescribing medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths could prescribe medication, if needed.
There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and wellness while providing education about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists specialize on the treatment of certain conditions with botanicals or minerals.
- Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient’s unique needs.
- Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
- The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia licenses Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine treats all aspects of the person: mind, body, soul, and spirit. It considers all aspects a person’s wellbeing, including the emotional, spiritual, as well as environmental factors, that are often ignored by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine treats specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
What do we mean by complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.
Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. They’re also sometimes called “alternative” or “integrative” medicine because they integrate Western scientific methods with other approaches that have been proven effective in healing people.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary or Integrative Health Approaches – NCCIH
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
How To
How To Deal With My Girlfriend Trusting Alternative Medicine?
You can find advice on the internet for people who are caring for someone with mental illness. There is not much information available to assist those who believe in alternative medicine.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Perhaps you feel confused or frustrated, because you don’t know how to react. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?
It is important that you ask questions. It can save you a lot of pain later.
These are difficult questions to ask without offending the patient. What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
What if she claims that antidepressants don’t work? Do you need to tell her that she’s wrong
Here’s where things can get complicated. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This may cause more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
So what do you need to do?
–
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: berci.mesko
Title: 13 Technologies That Will Shape The Future Of Cancer Care
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/technologies-that-will-shape-the-future-of-cancer-care
Published Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Therefore, cancer patients seek other therapies, such as complementary medicine. Studies have shown that half of all cancer patients have tried alternative treatments at least once.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
Other reasons include the following:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.
What are alternatives to medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, energy healing techniques, such as Reiki, and acupuncture.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. Examples of alternative medicine include meditation, yoga and aromatherapy.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. This is not a substitute for standard treatment. Rather, it is an option that allows patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.
It is important not to forget that some CAM modalities overlap or complement conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. But, naturopaths are more concerned with lifestyle changes than prescribing medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths could prescribe medication, if needed.
There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and wellness while providing education about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists specialize on the treatment of certain conditions with botanicals or minerals.
- Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient’s unique needs.
- Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
- The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia licenses Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine treats all aspects of the person: mind, body, soul, and spirit. It considers all aspects a person’s wellbeing, including the emotional, spiritual, as well as environmental factors, that are often ignored by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine treats specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.
What do we mean by complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.
Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. They’re also sometimes called “alternative” or “integrative” medicine because they integrate Western scientific methods with other approaches that have been proven effective in healing people.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary or Integrative Health Approaches – NCCIH
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
How To
How To Deal With My Girlfriend Trusting Alternative Medicine?
You can find advice on the internet for people who are caring for someone with mental illness. There is not much information available to assist those who believe in alternative medicine.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Perhaps you feel confused or frustrated, because you don’t know how to react. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?
It is important that you ask questions. It can save you a lot of pain later.
These are difficult questions to ask without offending the patient. What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
What if she claims that antidepressants don’t work? Do you need to tell her that she’s wrong
Here’s where things can get complicated. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This may cause more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
So what do you need to do?
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