Modern Cancer Care Explained: How Robotic Surgery and New Therapies Preserve Quality of Life

Cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the past decade. What was once dominated by extensive surgeries followed by aggressive chemotherapy and radiation has now evolved into a more balanced, patient-centered

approach. Experts say today modern cancer care focuses not just on controlling the disease – even in aggressive cases, but also on preserving organs, function, and quality of life. “One of the most significant shifts has been the growing emphasis on prevention and early detection. Regular screening programs now help identify cancers at earlier, more treatable stages. In some cases, cancers can be prevented altogether,” said Dr. Rajashekar C Jaka, Consultant, surgical oncology and robotic surgery, Manipal Hospital. Vaccines like those for cervical cancer and the hepatitis B for liver cancer are powerful examples of how science has moved cancer care upstream, stopping disease before it starts. “Improved understanding of cancer causes has also enabled people to avoid certain risk factors, further reducing incidence,” added Dr Jaka.

Surgical evolution in cancer care: Robotic revolution

The most important aspect in terms of cancer care is the surgical evolution with the invention of robotics. Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that is associated with a lot of benefits, such as minimal scars, fewer side effects, improved precision, lower risk of complications, less blood loss, and quicker recovery. “We are now able to preserve organs by performing intricate excision surgeries of only the affected mass. All these benefits boost our patients’ confidence and emotional well-being,” said Dr Jaka.

In younger patients, who need thyroid surgery, doctors now perform a scarless procedure without any mark on the neck. Similarly, thoracic surgeries were earlier involved opening the entire chest. Even though thoracoscopic or laparoscopic options were available, the limitations of instruments made the complete clearance of cancer very difficult. However, with advanced robotics, even complex thoracic surgeries are performed effectively. Likewise, in abdominal and pelvic cancers, such as prostate, bladder, rectal, and uterine cancers, robotic surgery with 10x magnification and EndoWrist technology allows for extremely precise procedures, including lymph node dissections, with minimal complications. In rectal cancers, sphincter-saving or intersphincteric surgeries are now successfully performed using robotic techniques. That’s why it is very crucial that patients discuss the availability of surgical options that offer lower morbidity with their doctors.Also read: Why 7 in 10 Cancer Cases Go Undetected Until It’s Too Late

Beyond surgeries: Medical management of cancer

Apart from surgical options, organ preservation has improved because of the improvement in chemotherapy and radiation. “Modern chemotherapy now includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy which are far more effective with lesser side effects than traditional chemotherapy. In some cancers of the voice box (larynx), rectum, and esophagus, radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes preferred over surgery so that we can preserve the organ,” Dr Jaka opined. To sum up, cancer care with these developments, including robotic surgery, targeted therapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, has significantly reduce morbidity and complications, leading to better and improved quality of life for patients.