1. Current Situation of Cancer Therapy

1.1 Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates

The global incidence of cancer continues to rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 19.29 million new cancer cases were reported worldwide in 2020. Some of the most common types of cancer include breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with an estimation of 9.96 million deaths attributed to the disease in 2020. Fatal cancers such as lung, colorectal, liver, stomach, and breast cancer are among the most common causes of cancer-related mortality.

Figure 1. The incidence rates of various cancers

1.2 Current Cancer Treatments

The primary treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, each playing a crucial role depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Surgery is a common method for treating many types of cancer, aiming at removing the tumour and some surrounding tissue to control or eliminate the disease. This method is most effective for cancers detected early, before they have spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth. It is often employed for cancers that cannot be surgically removed or for shrinking tumours before surgery. Radiation is effective in targeting cancers in localized or fixed areas particularly.

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Unlike surgery or radiation, chemotherapy can treat cancer that has metastasized because the drugs travel through the bloodstream, affecting cancer cells throughout the body. The types and combinations of chemotherapy drugs are selected based on the type of cancer, its progression, and the individual patient's condition.