last updated 19-03-2024

Treatment of tumors

Three forms of tumor treatment exist: surgery, radiotherapy and pharmacological therapy. A local tumor without metastases can be surgically removed and/or treated with radiotherapy. In case of metastases, treatment with cytostatic/toxic drugs or other new types of drugs is in favour. A patient-specific therapeutic plan is set up depending on the kind of tumor, the growth velocity and/or metastases.

Cytostatic/toxics are the most important drugs in the treatment of cancer. They can cure cancer, decrease pain (palliative) or be used as adjunctive therapy. In addition, hormones, immunomodulators and target therapy can be applied for specific tumors. Apart from these drugs, pain management and supportive care are very important palliative treatment of cancer.