Cancer Treatment
Comprehensive cancer treatments personalized to each patient
Comprehensive cancer treatments personalized to each patient
Scripps Cancer Center specialists use the latest therapies, technology and research advancements to treat many types of cancer. We understand that no two patients are exactly alike, and we develop personalized, targeted treatment plans based on each patient’s diagnosis and overall health. Your treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cellular therapy or immunotherapy, either alone or in combination.
The following is an overview of the cancer treatments we offer. We encourage patients and their loved ones to ask questions about treatment options at any time.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats cancer with drugs given orally or intravenously into the bloodstream (infusion) to kill cancer cells, reduce tumor size or relieve cancer symptoms. Often, chemotherapy treatment plans require multiple doses over several weeks or months. We personalize doses, frequency and combinations of drugs to each patient’s needs.
In addition to providing these services at hospitals and chemotherapy infusion centers, Scripps provides support and resources to help patients who may experience side effects.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy treats cancer with a patient’s own immune system rather than with drugs or radiation, often working with their genetic profile to identify the most individualized treatment. Whether obtained from the patient or a carefully matched donor, these cells help strengthen the patient’s immune system to better fight cancer.
Scripps Cancer Center immunotherapy treatments offer numerous cellular therapies including blood and bone marrow transplant (BMT) and CAR T-cell therapy.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer and may be used alone or with other treatment methods. Radiation treatment directs invisible high energy, such as X-rays and electron beams, at cancer cells to kill them or limit their ability to grow.
Types of radiation therapy
Scripps offers three categories of radiation therapy for cancer treatment: external beam radiation, internal radiation (sometimes referred to as brachytherapy or radioactive seed) and systemic radiation. Within those categories are different types of radiation therapy for specific treatment goals.
Radiation therapy FAQs
We get many questions about radiation therapy because of our proven expertise in this treatment method in San Diego County. Start with our frequently asked questions about radiation therapy, and never hesitate to contact your physician or care team any time you have questions or need more information.
What to expect when undergoing radiation therapy
Receiving any form of cancer treatment can feel intimidating and difficult for many patients as well as their loved ones. To help ease concerns and receive maximum benefit from treatment, Scripps offers insights offers insights into what to expect from radiation therapy, including how to prepare, how procedures are performed and what happens after treatment. Our physicians also welcome any additional questions you may have.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a highly personalized cancer treatment that targets specific abnormalities in the genetic code of a tumor. Once these abnormalities have been identified, they are treated with the drugs that would be most effective for each individual patient.
Theranostics
Theranostics is a combination of two terms: therapeutics and diagnostics. It uses unstable variants of elements called radioisotopes that release radiation.
During the diagnostic phase, radioisotope molecules are used to create images of a patient’s tumor. Using imaging technology, the physician can view precise images of these cells to determine if they can be effectively targeted.
If the patient is a good candidate, a therapeutic version of the molecule is injected to target and kill the cancer cells. By traveling through the bloodstream, it targets cancer cells at multiple sites throughout the body simultaneously.