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Research and new methods

The future: less toxic treatment

An important aim of research is to make treatment lighter while keeping results: less chemotherapy, shorter courses and fewer long-term side effects.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The load lightens
Figure 1.The load lightens — The future: less toxic treatment

01Short answer

Examples include chemotherapy-free schedules in some cases of APL, fixed-duration targeted treatment in CLL, attempts at treatment-free remission in CML under certain conditions and supervision, reduced treatment for children with low-risk ALL, and replacing part of chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Such changes become standard only after trials prove them. Do not cut down your treatment yourself.

02Simple explanation

The same result.

Less burden.

Proven by trials.

Do not cut down yourself.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: targeted and immune therapies can, in some cases, reduce the need for intensive chemotherapy.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Why it matters

Quality of life and long-term health.

Young green seedlings sprouting from garden soil
Figure 2.A garden recovers

Risk

Reducing too much may lead to relapse.

A gentler setting
Figure 3.A gentler setting — The future: less toxic treatment

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why it mattersQuality of life and long-term health.
RiskReducing too much may lead to relapse.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

De-escalation
Reducing treatment intensity.
Late effects
Problems that appear years after treatment.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can my treatment be made lighter?

Only your doctor decides, based on evidence.

Will chemotherapy disappear?

In some cases there is less of it, but it is still important.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can my treatment be made lighter?

  2. Will chemotherapy disappear?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: preclinical study
  8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Review Process (continued)
  9. European Medicines Agency. Clinical trials in human medicines
  10. National Cancer Institute. Informed Consent in Clinical Trials
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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