The current approach to cancer treatment

The therapeutic armamentarium in the treatment of cancer is now expanded to include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The aim is to achieve cure where possible. For some cancers the concept of cure can be questioned, and for many patients, cancer must be regarded as a chronic disease. A vigorous approach to palliation, particularly in regard to special problems such as hypercalcaemia, yields good dividends. Human values remain of paramount importance, and active antitumour treatment with attendant side effects must not be continued where there is no expectation of worthwhile response.