This is known as brachytherapy. Also, in certain instances, radioactive substances are injected into the bloodstream or taken by mouth to treat specific types of cancer. Biological Modifiers Biological modifiers are natural substances that are present in the body that can be used to fight some forms of cancer. By enhancing normal biological processes, the modifiers change the environment of cancerous cells. This kills the cells by changing growth factors.
Biological modifiers can also enhance the body's immunity toward cancer cells.
Biological modifiers may be injected into body tissue in a manner similar to immunization injections, or may be injected into a vein. Often, surgery is the first treatment for tumors which are located in a specific part of the body. Once tissue is diagnosed as cancerous, surgery may be used to remove the tumor, or cancerous portion of tissue, from the body. A segment of the surrounding healthy tissue is also removed to aid in the ultimate goal, which is complete removal of the cancer. Surgery is performed by surgeons on the medical staff of Saint Anthony's Health Center.