Even if the surgeon removes all of the cancer that can be
seen at the time of surgery, a patient may be given radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy after surgery to try
to kill any cancer cells that may be left.
Treatment given after surgery to increase the chances of a
cure is called adjuvant therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of
radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used to treat the
breast after lumpectomy or to treat the chest wall after
mastectomy -- if the cancer is at greater risk for coming back
on the chest.
Because radiation therapy is a local treatment, most of the
side effects are specific to the area of the body being
treated. Advanced radiation planning methods are used to
minimize the risk of injury to the normal tissues.
Duke has been studying the possible toxic effects of
radiation therapy on the lung and heart for many years.
Clinical studies are available to monitor for these potential
side effects.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells,
either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from
dividing. Because some normal cells such as blood and hair can
be affected, side effects can occur.
When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein
or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can affect
cancer cells throughout the body.
When chemotherapy is placed directly in the spinal column, a
body cavity (such as the abdomen), or an organ, the drugs
mainly affect cancer cells in those areas.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy blocks the action of hormones and stops
cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by
glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. The
presence of some hormones can cause certain cancers to
grow.
If tests show the cancer cells have places where hormones
can attach (receptors), drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy
are used to reduce the production of hormones or block them
from working.
Physicians
Physicians offering this service include:
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Blackwell, Kimberly L.
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Medicine /
Medical Oncology
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Brizel, David M.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Czito, Brian G.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Hahn, Carol A.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Kimmick, Gretchen G.
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Medicine /
Medical Oncology
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Kirkpatrick, John P.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Larrier, Nicole A.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Lindsay, Beth H.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Marcom, Paul Kelly
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Medicine /
Medical Oncology
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Oleson, James R.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Prosnitz, Leonard R.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
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Willett, Christopher G.
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Radiation Oncology /
Radiation Oncology
Locations
This service is available at:
