Surgical Intervention

Surgical treatment is usually used as the first option in the treatment of rectal cancer. The surgical techniques applied are as follows:

• Rectal Resection: Removal of the area of the rectum with a tumor. Surgeons may remove part or all of the rectum, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
• Colostomy: If the tumor affects a large part of the rectum, a bag may be placed to keep the stool out of the body.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Two main types are used in Cuba:

• External Beam Radiotherapy: Radiation is applied externally to the area where the tumor is located. It is usually used to shrink the tumor before surgery.
• Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): Radiation sources are delivered directly into the tumor. This method offers a more targeted treatment, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a combination of drugs used to stop the growth of cancer cells. Here are some chemotherapy drugs commonly used in Cuba:

• 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): It is often used as a standard agent in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
• Leucovorin: Increases treatment efficacy when used in combination with 5-FU.
• Oxaliplatin: It is another chemotherapeutic agent frequently preferred in advanced rectal cancer.

Chemotherapy is usually administered in combination with surgery and radiotherapy, and the treatment plan is individualized according to the patient's individual characteristics.

Immunotherapy

Cuba is a pioneer in the application of immunotherapy. Immunotherapies strengthen the immune system to fight cancer cells. The methods and vaccines used are as follows:

• Vaccine Treatments: Cuba is doing important work on cancer vaccines. These vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: This treatment binds to specific cancer cells, allowing the immune system to attack them. For example, Bevacizumab Drugs such as these inhibit the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors with nutrients.

Biotechnological Innovations

In Cuba, several biotechnological innovations are being applied in the treatment of rectal cancer:

• CIMAVax-EGF: It is a vaccine developed on epidermal growth factor (EGF). It aims to boost the immune response against many types of cancer, including rectal cancer.
• Vaccines: Specific vaccines, especially for localized rectal cancer, aim to train the patient's immune system to develop a more effective response against tumor cells.

Treatment Centers and Team

In Cuba, there are many centers specifically designed for the treatment of rectal cancer:

• CIM (Centro de Inmunología Molecular): A center specialized in the development of immunotherapies and biotechnological medicines.
• Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital: It is a hospital known for advanced surgical techniques and multidisciplinary approaches.

In these centers, oncologists, surgeons, immunologists and other health professionals come together to create the most appropriate treatment plans for patients.

Results and Success Rates

Cuba is globally recognized for its success rates in the treatment of rectal cancer. The positive results of immunotherapies in metastatic rectal cancers and the reduction of treatment-related side effects are indicative of Cuba's innovative approach in this field. Cuba's biotechnological methods aim to increase the quality of life of patients and improve the treatment process.