Physics 2009 JAMB Past Questions - Question 45: Cancerous cells can be destroyed by

Correct Answer

C

Explanation

Cancerous cells can be destroyed through various treatment modalities, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Some of the most common methods for destroying cancer cells include:

1. Surgery: Surgical removal of tumors or affected tissues is a common approach to treating cancer, especially when the cancer is localized and hasn't spread to other parts of the body.

2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with surgery or as a primary treatment, depending on the cancer type and stage.

3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and are designed to target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

4. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy treatments aim to enhance the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This can be done through various approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.

5. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target the molecular and genetic abnormalities that drive the growth of cancer cells. These drugs are often used in cases where cancer has specific genetic mutations.

6. Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. It involves blocking or reducing the effect of hormones that fuel cancer growth.

7. Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, is used in certain blood cancers to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells that can produce healthy blood cells.

8. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing cancer cells using extremely cold temperatures. It is often used for skin and prostate cancer.

9. Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment involves the use of photosensitizing agents and laser light to destroy cancer cells. It's used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancer.

10. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is a technique that uses high-frequency electrical currents to heat and destroy cancer cells. It is commonly used for liver and lung tumors.

11. Microwave Ablation: Similar to RFA, microwave ablation uses microwave energy to heat and destroy cancer cells, particularly in liver and lung cancer.

12. Ultrasound Ablation: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can be used to destroy cancer cells by heating them with focused ultrasound waves.

The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage, the patient's overall health, and other individual factors. Often, a combination of treatments may be used to increase the chances of successfully destroying cancer cells. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals who can provide personalized recommendations based on the specific circumstances.