Cytostatic therapy
Drug-based tumor therapy comprises various groups of substances, all with the aim of stopping the spread of tumor cells throughout the body and largely destroying them. Modern methods targeting tumor cell properties are used (antibodies for tumor cell properties, signal blockers, substances with an anti-hormonal effect, substances that control tumor defense). Furthermore, cytostatic substances are still used in the majority of cases today to destroy tumor cells through direct damage.
We offer the entire spectrum of drug-based tumor therapies:
- Chemotherapy with cytostatics, immunotherapeutics, targeted specialty drugs such as antibodies and signal transduction inhibitors
- Hormone treatments
- Bisphosphonates and other bone stabilizers (for bone metastases)
- Transfusions of blood and platelets (erythrocyte and platelet concentrates)
For radiotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, we work together with the surrounding center hospitals.
Drug selection and efficacy
The substances to be used are selected according to the rules of scientifically supported oncological experience (guideline therapy). Of course, the generally applicable rules are implemented in a patient-oriented manner, i.e. therapy restrictions and patient expectations are taken into account in the doctor's consultation. With the choice of substances to be used, at least a rough assessment of the efficacy and expected side effects can be made. What is important for the effectiveness of a drug is how long and how often the highest possible dose can affect the cancer cells. Many factors can influence the effectiveness of a drug: the sensitivity of the respective cancer cells, the local availability, the rate of degradation and excretion, interactions with other drugs, sensitivity or previous damage to individual organs, and finally the overall tolerability of the drug used.
Cytostatic therapy, usually called "chemotherapy", can take effect very quickly in fast-growing tumors such as leukemia, lymphoma or testicular cancer; in other cases, two or more cycles are administered before it is possible to assess a response. For this reason, follow-up examinations are often only carried out after two to three treatments. These examinations usually include blood tests, ultrasound examinations and X-ray examinations such as computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In order not to reduce the chances of success, it is important to adhere exactly to the course and planned duration of treatment. The attending physician can provide information on the individual course and success of chemotherapy.
Side effects
Since healthy cells do not differ significantly from cancer cells, side effects are often unavoidable in drug therapy. The side effects are initially dependent on the selected therapeutic substance, the dosage, its targeted or less targeted manner, its spread in the body, but also on the patient receiving it. In particular, age and previous illnesses, but also individual susceptibility, play an important role. Some people experience no or almost no side effects, while others react strongly to the treatment. It is not possible to say before treatment who will be affected by side effects and to what extent. The types of side effects that occur also depend on the medication used. However, the effects are often not permanent, but improve during or after the end of treatment.
If chemotherapy is required for tumor treatment, the separate chemotherapy information sheet will also provide you with instructions on how to deal with side effects.
What does drug-based tumor therapy mean in the context of holistic therapy?
We attach great importance to providing comprehensive information about the disease and the associated treatment options. This also makes it easier to decide on a therapy with more side effects, as you can actively support this.
We attach great importance to comprehensive medical and nursing care as well as human support.
We offer intensive individual psycho-oncological support at all times before, during and after tumor therapy and maintain this for as long as necessary.
Regular assessments and treatment are carried out with a view to reducing side effects.
We attach great importance to physiotherapeutic support, consisting of respiratory gymnastics, light endurance training, lymph drainage and balancing treatments with the aim of shortening the regeneration time.
We attach great importance to the explicit inclusion of naturopathic methods in the therapy. Accordingly, we use specifically selected, supportive measures to support the body's own defenses against the tumor and to reduce the negative effects of tumor therapy on healthy body cells and the immune system in cancer patients.