Which are common treatments for cancer?

The use of radiation and chemotherapy constitutes common and established treatments for cancer because both approaches specifically target cancer cells and aim to reduce or eliminate tumors. Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, which inhibits their ability to divide and grow, effectively targeting localized tumors. On the other hand, chemotherapy involves the use of cytotoxic drugs that are designed to kill rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic feature of cancerous tissues. These treatments can be used in combination or separately, depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient, making them central to oncological care.

Other treatment options, such as surgery, can also be effective, but they are often considered in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy depending on the specific case, while holistic therapies and dietary changes are not scientifically validated as primary treatments for cancer. Antibiotics and antivirals are not relevant for treating cancer, as they are designed to target infections rather than cancer cells. Thus, radiation and chemotherapy are the most recognized and specific cancer treatments among the options listed.