This answer varies, depending on the type and extent of cancer being treated. Many patients will have radiology studies (CT scans, MRIs, PET scans) periodically to see if the tumor has responded (either shrunk or stayed the same versus grown). Some types of tumors can be measured in the blood with a “tumor marker“. This [...]

Although these therapies use substances that occur naturally in the body, side effects can occur as a result of either the greater production or the higher-than-normal doses administered. The most common side effects with biologic therapies are caused by the “revving up” and stimulation of the immune system. They include fever, chills, body aches, nausea/vomiting, [...]

This varies depending on the particular type of biologic therapy being used. Therapies may be given by mouth, into a vein (intravenously) or by injection, either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a muscle (intramuscular). Therapies may also be given directly into a body cavity to treat a specific site. For example, gene therapy directed [...]

Biologic therapies help the immune system to function better by using substances that occur naturally in your body. The therapy may stimulate your body to make more of the substance, or the therapy may be a man-made version of that natural substance itself. Other types of therapies use cells from the patient’s body, which are [...]

Diagnose and stage the cancer. Surgery can identify the tumor
   type, extent of growth, size, nodal involvement, and regional
   and/or distant spread.
Cure the cancer. The primary goal of cancer surgery is cure.
   Definitive or curative surgery involves removing the entire
   tumor, associated lymph nodes, and a margin of
   surrounding tissue. Early diagnosis is essential when the goal
   is cure.
Relieve the symptoms. [...]