Most doctors still consider immunotherapy an experimental treatment. Although initially it showed promise, recent studies have been somewhat disappointing. Immunotherapy is most effective when cancer is in an early stage and few cancer cells are present. It's not as effective in treating large tumors or when the cancer is widespread. Radiation therapy is particularly effective when used to treat certain types of localized cancers, such as malignant tumors of the lymph nodes or vocal cords.
Radiation uses a high energy beam to kill cancer cells.
This form of treatment is effective only for the cancer cells within the area receiving the radiation. Radiation can produce troublesome side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, hair loss and fatigue. The severity of these symptoms depends on where and how much radiation is used. Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful medications to treat cancer. It's effective in treating cancer that is widespread.