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Cancer of Unknown Primary
Cancers are named for their primary tumor, but often spreads from the initial tumor to multiple metastatic sites. If it is unclear where the cancer originated, it is called a cancer of unknown primary. Further tests may eventually find the primary site of these cancers, in which case they are no longer referred to as a cancer of unknown primary and are named according to their origin. In many cases, the source is never determined.
Cancer of Unknown Primary Treatment Options
Even without knowing the primary site, treatment can still be successful. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery is used when an entire tumor can be removed but is often paired with chemotherapy to kill any remaining malignant cells. For more advanced cancers, chemotherapy is the main treatment choice. Chemotherapy can be very effective in killing the tumor, reducing tumor size or even as palliative therapy.
Cancer of Unknown Primary and ChemoFx®
For patients with a cancer of unknown primary receiving chemotherapy, whether as adjuvant chemotherapy, primary chemotherapy or combination chemotherapy, ChemoFx® can assist physicians in selecting personalized cancer treatment plans. Physicians can use ChemoFx® as a guide by testing multiple chemotherapy drugs on a patient's cancer cells before choosing one for their patient, giving patients a powerful advantage in their fight against cancer. For more information on ChemoFx® , visit http://www.chemofx.com.
Information for this webpage was gathered from the following websites:
www.cancer.gov
www.cancer.org
www.chemofx.com