Princess Kate Undergoing Preventive Chemotherapy: What It Means

Princess Kate, also known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has revealed that she is currently undergoing a course of preventive chemotherapy after discovering cancer cells following a major abdominal surgery in January, as announced by Kensington Palace on Friday.

The specific type of cancer Princess Kate is battling has not been disclosed. Doctors initially believed her condition was non-cancerous, but post-operative tests revealed the presence of cancer cells, prompting the need for preventive treatment.

Preventive chemotherapy, a form of adjuvant therapy, aims to eradicate microscopic cancer cells that may have survived initial treatment, reducing the likelihood of cancer recurrence. Dr. Sekeres from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center explains that this follow-up treatment can also target signals promoting cancer growth in the body.

Adjuvant therapy is commonly utilized in colon, breast, and lung cancer cases to enhance quality and length of life. Its efficacy varies based on cancer type, stage, and the individual’s overall health.

It’s important to note that while «preventive chemotherapy» might suggest cancer prevention in the broader population, it actually pertains to post-treatment measures for existing cancer cases. Preventive treatments for averting cancer, on the other hand, encompass lifestyle changes and interventions like prophylactic mastectomy for high-risk individuals.

Chemoprevention, as endorsed by the National Cancer Institute, involves using specific drugs to lower cancer risk, not to treat established cancer. Drugs like tamoxifen and raloxifene can reduce breast cancer risk, whereas finasteride shows promise in lowering prostate cancer likelihood.

As research continues, aspirin’s role in chemoprevention remains inconclusive. Although it may not prevent cancer universally, long-term aspirin use could potentially deter colorectal cancer in select individuals.