With a new year comes new opportunity for growth, discovery and improvement in the world of treating cancer. Notable cancer treatment trends are on the rise today, many of them geared toward the feelings and quality of life for cancer patients, as well as a shift toward healthier and less invasive methods of treatment. Let’s take a look at a few of these trends below.
Less Chemotherapy, More Alternatives
In recent years, awareness of overtreatment in the breast cancer world has grown, sparking a drop in chemotherapy prescriptions, and an increase in use of recurrence predictors like MammaPrint, among doctors. Recent research has revealed that chemotherapy prescriptions among patients with a common form of early-stage breast cancer have dropped significantly, from over a third of women taking chemo, to now just over a fifth. This pattern of less chemotherapy and more alternative treatments may very well extend from breast cancer to other forms of cancers as we move through 2019 and into the next several years.
Genetic Cancer Tests
Discussion and debate are growing around the quality and payment of genetic cancer tests, and whether or not Medicare and Medicaid should cover next-generation sequencing of advanced cancer cases. Doctors need reliable results from molecular tests, and it is imperative that patients who desire to try novel oncology drugs know with certainty if their malignancies harbor molecular features that match these drugs. Because genetic cancer tests are growing in how significantly they affect the prescription of cancer drugs, we are likely to see an increase in insistency that labs performing these tests be accredited, and conduct testing with emphasis on high quality. And as the year progresses, focus will likely be on this as well as funding for genetic cancer tests.
Focus on Quality of Life & Wellbeing of Patients
One of the most notable and positive cancer treatment trends for 2019 is increased focus on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of cancer patients. Measuring patient-reported-outcomes (PROs) becomes increasingly relevant as more anti-cancer drugs become available and as doctors and their patients weigh treatments that might improve quality of life. This patient-reported data must be made a priority for cancer treatment to advance.
Artificial Intelligence
It’s no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing aspects of healthcare today, with innovations like AI-powered virtual care increasing in popularity among providers and patients. AI has the potential to improve the lives and outcomes of those affected by a cancer diagnosis, by assisting physicians and recommending treatments based on real-time knowledge of cancer science. Artificial intelligence can transform cancer treatment in so many ways, and its innovation is a trend to be embraced wholeheartedly in the years to come.
World-Class Cancer Treatment in Phoenix
Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is dedicated to helping each and every patient we see overcome their cancer and live a healthy, happy life. Through treatments using state-of-the-art medical technology, and other non-invasive alternatives, we are providing hope and healing for countless patients every day. If you’d like to know more about our world-class cancer treatment in Phoenix, or if you’d like to speak with us about any of the above cancer treatment trends, we encourage you to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
