Cancer treatment has evolved over centuries from "summary" of EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES IN PB by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Cancer treatment, like the disease itself, has not remained static over the centuries. It has evolved in fits and starts, taking two steps forward and one step back, gradually refining its techniques and approaches. What began as a rudimentary understanding of the disease has transformed into a complex field of research and innovation, propelled by the relentless pursuit of a cure. The earliest attempts at treating cancer were crude and often barbaric, reflecting the limited knowledge of the disease at the time. Ancient physicians believed that cancer was caused by an imbalance of the body's humors and sought to restore equilibrium through drastic measures such as bloodletting and purging. These methods were more harmful than helpful, inflicting unnecessary suffering on patients with little chance of success. As our understanding of cancer advanced, so too did our treatment options. The discovery of anesthesia in the 19th century revolutionized surgery, allowing for more extensive and precise removal of tumors. Radiation therapy emerged as a powerful tool in the early 20th century, targeting cancer cells with high-energy beams while sparing healthy tissue. Chemotherapy, introduced in the mid-20th century, offered a systemic approach to treating cancer, attacking the disease from within. Despite these advancements, cancer remained a formidable foe, constantly mutating and adapting to evade our best efforts. The war against cancer was far from won, but each new breakthrough brought us closer to victory. The development of targeted therapies in the late 20th century marked a turning point in the battle against cancer, allowing for more personalized and effective treatments tailored to individual patients. Today, cancer treatment continues to evolve at a rapid pace, fueled by cutting-edge research and technology. Immunotherapy, gene therapy, and precision medicine hold the promise of revolutionizing how we approach and treat cancer, offering new hope to patients facing this devastating disease. While the road ahead may be long and challenging, the progress we have made over the centuries is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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