Therapeutic Progress in Oncology

Book excerpt: The combined effects of population growth and aging have led to an increase in the number of cancers. Preventing, diagnosing, treating and curing cancer are therefore, more than ever, imperatives facing medicine especially to continue the decrease in cancers mortality rates and to improve the quality of survival. Over time, the classic modes of treatment (surgery, external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy) have become more refined and efficient. From the beginning of this century, new therapeutic options have been developed: targeted cancer therapy, targeted radionuclide therapy and immunologic therapies based on monoclonal antibodies, cellular therapy and vaccinations. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also being introduced to the field of oncology. Starting with the basic scientific principles relevant to oncology, this book explains and makes these concepts and innovations accessible to a wide audience especially in the interest of patients. It also contributes to the oncological field of 4P medicine with 4P standing for predictive, preventive, personalized and participative.