By Raina Li (‘28)

The Ancient Past

Cancer has been present all throughout human history, with records of it dating back to 3000 BCE. During this time, it was commonly believed that sicknesses were due to an imbalance in bodily humors, the wrath of Gods and spirits, or curses from spiteful witches or enemies. Consequently, many methods applied by doctors were ineffective or only helped psychologically. Although humans’ understanding of medicine has evolved, allowing for development in treatment, prevention, and control of various diseases, viruses, and infections, it still remains a mystery how or if cancer can be truly defeated. 

Current Understanding

Cancer is a continuous and uncontrolled mitosis, which is the replication of cells, in a diseased group of cells where some genetic mutation or environmental factor changes a normal cell so much that it begins splitting and spreading unchecked. As more copies of this type of cells are created, the rate of growth rises exponentially. Cancer is also able to manipulate certain functions of the body, For example, it can direct blood vessels toward itself and exploit immune checkpoints to further suppress the function of immune cells. Even worse, cancer has a natural defense against drugs, is able to metastasize (spread to other areas of the body), and has a subtle nature, all of which make identification and eradication of the condition difficult. 

Treatment Options 

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are currently the most commonly-used treatments for cancer. These options are sometimes effective, but they often cause complications such as risk of infection, hair thinning and loss, and higher risk of developing cancer again.

Future Possibilities

Immunotherapy is a recent scientific advancement that holds promise for the future of cancer care. It works by modifying the immune system to enhance the body’s ability to recognize and fight cancer cells. One method of immunotherapy is the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are drugs designed to block immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoints normally prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells. In cancer, these checkpoints can be used by tumors to avoid immune detection. By inhibiting these checkpoints, the immune system becomes more effective at targeting and destroying cancer cells.

Another form of immunotherapy is T-cell transfer therapy, which involves extracting a patient’s own immune cells, multiplying them in a lab, and inserting them back into the body. This increase in immune cell count boosts the body’s ability to fight cancer and improves chances for future recovery. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies, which identify mutations in cancer cells that are not present in normal ones, can act as markers for cancer cells and allow for precise targeting for future elimination. 

With these new possibilities and discoveries, it looks like cancer is becoming easier and easier to cope with. Completely destroying it may be impossible, but scientists and oncologists are working toward better solutions every day. One day, science may even progress far enough that cancer becomes less like a deadly sickness and more like a mild ailment. For now, though, it is crucial to keep discovering, testing, and, above all, hoping.