Treatment for cancer of unknown primary (CUP)
The treatment you have depends on a number of things, including where the cancer is and your general health. A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you.
The main treatments for cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are targeted cancer drugs or chemotherapy. You may also have radiotherapy to help to control your symptoms.
Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)
There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.
Treatment options for cancer of unknown primary
Treatment for cancer of unknown primary (CUP) can include chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs, radiotherapy or surgery. You may also have treatment to control any symptoms you are experiencing.
Chemotherapy for cancer of unknown primary (CUP)
Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You might have chemotherapy to treat cancer of unknown primary.
Radiotherapy for cancer of unknown primary (CUP)
Radiotherapy uses high energy rays to destroy cancer cells. The radiotherapy team plan your radiotherapy before you start treatment. It is sometimes given in combination with chemotherapy.
Treatment to control symptoms of CUP
Treatment to control symptoms is also called palliative care. The aim of palliative treatment is to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Follow up after treatment for CUP
After treatment for cancer of unknown primary (CUP), you might have regular follow up appointments. Or you may decide to only have appointments if you have any problems or develop a new symptom.
