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:

• Blackwell, Kimberly L.
• Brizel, David M.
• Czito, Brian G.
• Hahn, Carol A.
• Jones, Ellen L.
• Kimmick, Gretchen G.
• Kirkpatrick, John P.
• Larrier, Nicole A.
• Lindsay, Beth H.
• Marcom, Paul Kelly
• Oleson, James R.
• Prosnitz, Leonard R.
• Shaw, Heather S.
• Sockwell Smith, Sally
• Willett, Christopher G.

Locations

This service is available at:

• Durham Regional Hospital
  3643 Roxboro Road, Durham, NC 27704
• Morris Cancer Clinic
  Morris Building, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710