Induction therapy for Cancer: A Holistic approach

For some cancer types, induction therapy has been shown to shrink tumors by more than 50%, enhancing the feasibility of successful surgical interventions. Read the blog to know more.

A recent increase in cancer survival rates can be attributed to advances in treatment methods. Thanks to this, the improvements in screening and preventive measures have contributed to overall progress. 

A specific illustration of this advancement is evident in the process of Induction therapy.

Induction chemotherapy is a highly effective cancer treatment that has shown promising results in increasing survival rates for specific types of cancer. This treatment carries certain risks and potential side effects.

Let us discuss deeper into induction chemotherapy. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive list of the various types of cancer that can benefit from this treatment.

What is Induction Chemotherapy?

The first-line treatment for a particular condition is called induction therapy. The National Cancer Institute describes it as the initial course of treatment, the main form of therapy, or the primary approach to addressing the condition.

The induction process aims to eliminate the maximum number of cancer cells possible. A patient may get induction chemotherapy before surgery and radiation therapy. 

By implementing this, we can increase the chances of gaining a successful recovery.

What factors impact the choice of induction therapy?

Several factors can influence the duration and intensity of induction therapy. They are as follows:

• Age and the complete well-being of a person.
• The type and severity of cancer.
• Induction treatment can be a suitable choice for individuals with cancer that carries a significant risk of spreading.

Consolidation chemotherapy is a method to specifically target any remaining cancer cells in the body following the initial treatment. 

Would you like to know more about the difference between induction therapy and consolidation chemotherapy? Then you must check this. 

What are the stages where Induction Chemotherapy can be applied?

This approach is especially vital for cancer treatment. At various stages, the doctors use Induction Chemotherapy. Let’s take a glance at them:

Adjuvant Chemotherapy:

Adjuvant chemotherapy helps to shrink any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy tends to be given before surgery to help reduce the size of tumors, making surgical procedures more successful.

Concurrent Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy:

This approach combines chemotherapy with radiation therapy to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.

Consolidation Chemotherapy:

After the initial treatment, consolidation chemotherapy helps to target the remaining cancer cells. Adopting this method improves the overall therapeutic approach. 

Healthcare professionals use induction chemotherapy as a strategic approach to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The overall focus is to minimize the potential for cancer metastasis.

What Types of Cancers are Treated by Induction Therapy?

Induction therapy is a treatment method used for different types of cancers. Let us see them in detail:

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):

Induction therapy is a crucial method to eliminate rapidly dividing leukemia cells and achieve a state of recovery. 

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), induction chemotherapy is the initial phase of treatment for AML, followed by consolidation or post-remission therapy.

Head and Neck Cancers:

Induction chemotherapy shrinks tumors in the head and neck area before surgery or radiation therapy. Clinical trials suggest induction chemotherapy is as effective as combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for treating head and neck cancers.

A study suggests that people with particular head and neck cancers may find benefits in undergoing induction chemotherapy. This treatment involves combining chemotherapy medicines like cisplatin, fluorouracil, and docetaxel. 

Esophageal Cancer:

For cases where esophageal cancer has spread to nearby tissues, doctors use esophageal cancer treatment. 

However, surgical removal is the standard treatment for early-stage cases.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer:

Doctors use induction chemotherapy to treat nasopharyngeal cancers situated behind the nose in the upper part of the throat. This approach contributes to a more comprehensive and effective treatment strategy.

In a clinical trial, researchers discovered the combination of induction chemotherapy and chemoradiation significantly improved overall survival rates.

Lung Cancer:

Chemotherapy can improve the quality of life and extend lifespan for people with lung cancer at any stage.

Studies suggest that patients with stage 2 or 3 non-small cell lung cancer may benefit from receiving induction chemotherapy before concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Breast Cancer:

Scientific and technological developments have led to additional breast cancer treatment innovations. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, also known as induction chemotherapy, is increasingly used for locally spread breast cancer before surgery. 

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is now available to people with locally advanced breast cancer and to people with breast cancer who might benefit from size reduction before conserving treatment.

Pancreatic Cancer:

Induction therapy combined with irreversible electroporation ablation (a nonthermal energy source to cut through tissue) may improve survival for people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, as per the research done by the National Library of Medicine. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Induction therapy?

There is a correlation between induction chemotherapy and a large reduction in the size of the tumor in certain forms of cancer. 

The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with induction chemotherapy:

Advantages of Induction therapy:

• In some cancers, tumors shrink significantly.
• It may minimize the danger of cancer spreading to distant places, especially in high-risk people.
• The studies suggest induction therapy is beneficial in the treatment of some malignancies, such as laryngeal carcinoma.
• The therapy has the potential to reduce the toxicity of radiation treatment and chemotherapy when applied together.

Disadvantages of Induction therapy:

• People with weak immune may have difficulty coping with the harshness of induction chemotherapy.
• A heavy dosage of chemotherapy medicines may make you uneasy or result in unwanted side effects. 
• Induction chemotherapy sometimes requires a lengthy hospital stay.

What are the Side Effects of Induction Chemotherapy?

During induction chemotherapy, individuals typically receive high doses of one or more chemotherapy drugs. 

However, these drugs can affect any fast-dividing cell in the body, leading to side effects.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), people undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy for AML may experience various side effects, including

Skin rashes

Chemotherapy commonly leads to skin rashes. These rashes typically emerge within a few weeks of initiating treatment. 

The rashes may manifest on various areas, including the scalp, face, neck, chest, and upper back, and can potentially occur on other body parts. 

Such rashes might induce discomfort, itching, burning, or a stinging sensation.

Mouth sores

Mouth sores, characterized as small cuts or ulcers within the mouth, often emerge a few days into chemotherapy. 

Typically, the severity peaks around the seventh day post-treatment. 

These sores can manifest on various soft tissues in or around the mouth, encompassing the tongue, lips, gums, floor, and roof of the mouth.

Hair loss

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) can be mild or severe depending on the type of cancer, the drug used, the amount, and the plan of treatment. Most of the time, the first signs of CIA show up for people one to two weeks after they start treatment.

Hair loss often starts on the top of the head and the sides above the ears. These are areas that rub against each other while you sleep. Although, the exact pattern varies depending on the type of hair.

Diarrhea

As a common side effect, chemotherapy can cause diarrhea, which can make you lose water and food. 

This not only makes you feel sick, but it may also make other side effects of treatment worse. 

As per an article, the oncology study says that about 82% of people who are getting chemotherapy may experience diarrhea, and one-third may have serious cases.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a side effect of chemotherapy. As a result of rapid cellular breakdown, TLS occurs. These cells release harmful chemicals into the bloodstream.  

This can lead to life-threatening imbalances in electrolytes and other metabolic problems.

Infertility

Individuals who are undergoing medical treatment have a higher chance of contracting infections.

People who are undergoing medical treatment have a higher chance of contracting infections. 

Luckily, this effect usually only lasts a short time. Your body tends to return to normal once chemotherapy stops.

Some additional side effects include loss of appetite, psychological disturbance, bleeding during bruising, nausea, and fatigue. 

Once the treatment is over, most of the side effects should go away. Your healthcare provider can provide information on your medical prognosis and address any specific concerns you may have.

What does it mean by progression-free survival in induction therapy?

Progression-free survival means the time during which people live without their cancer growing or spreading.

For those who underwent induction therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the progression-free survival rate at five years was 73%.

Patients who only had standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy had a rate of 64%. 

This showed a 35% lower risk of cancer progression in the five years after treatment for the first group. About 59% experienced side effects that affected their daily life, compared to 48% in the other group.

Conclusion

Undergoing induction therapy can be physically and mentally challenging. But it’s an opportunity for an extended life. 

Induction chemotherapy plays a pivotal role in the early stages of cancer treatment, and understanding the pros and cons is vital for making informed decisions.  

At MedicoExpert, we emphasize the importance of personalized and comprehensive healthcare discussions. 

Right from diagnosis to treatment decisions and beyond, people can rely on MedicoExpert for assistance and guidance.

The tumor board team will help you understand the rapidly evolving field of medical advancements. MedicoExpert provides support in navigating relevant research. 

We aim to support you with helpful insights and information throughout your healthcare journey. Book an appointment today.

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