When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions that comes to mind is —
“What is the first treatment doctors will recommend?”
In oncology, the first-line treatment refers to the initial and most effective therapy given to control or eliminate cancer. It’s the treatment plan that has shown the best results in research and clinical trials for a specific cancer type and stage.
Let’s understand what first-line treatment means, its different types, and how oncologists decide which option is right for you.
First-line treatment (or primary therapy) is the standard initial treatment used to manage a particular cancer.
It is chosen based on:
The type and stage of cancer
The patient’s age, health condition, and genetic profile
Response rates and side effects from clinical data
If the cancer doesn’t respond well to first-line treatment, oncologists may switch to second-line or third-line therapies.
1. Surgery
For many solid tumors (like breast, colon, or prostate cancer), surgery is often the first step.
The goal is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue to prevent cancer spread.
It may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation to reduce recurrence risk.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cells.
It can be given:
Before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors
After surgery (adjuvant therapy) to kill remaining cells
Chemotherapy is a common first-line option for blood cancers, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
It is often the first-line treatment for cancers like:
Head and neck cancer
Cervical cancer
Brain tumors
Radiation can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genes or proteins that cause cancer cells to grow.
It’s a first-line option in cancers with known genetic mutations, such as:
Breast cancer (HER2-positive)
Lung cancer (EGFR mutation)
It causes fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy since it spares healthy cells.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
It’s increasingly used as a first-line treatment for:
Melanoma
Lung cancer
Kidney cancer
This modern approach has transformed survival outcomes for many advanced cancers.
6. Hormone Therapy
For hormone-sensitive cancers such as:
Breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive)
Prostate cancer
Oncologists use hormone-blocking drugs to slow or stop tumor growth.
At Aartas, oncologists evaluate several factors before deciding the right plan:
Type and stage of cancer
Patient’s age and overall health
Tumor genetics and molecular testing
Patient’s personal preferences
They often use a multidisciplinary approach — combining medical, surgical, and radiation oncology expertise to design a personalized treatment plan.
At Aartas Oncology Department, we provide:
Comprehensive diagnosis using advanced imaging and biopsy techniques
Personalized cancer treatment plans
Access to targeted and immunotherapies
Supportive care for side-effect management
Our team ensures every patient receives the most effective first-line treatment based on current medical guidelines.
The first-line treatment in oncology is the foundation of cancer care.
It aims to give patients the highest chance of remission while maintaining quality of life.
Whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy — the goal remains the same:
To fight cancer effectively and improve survival outcomes.
Q1: Is first-line treatment always the same for all cancers?
A: No. It varies by cancer type, stage, and patient health. Each treatment plan is personalized.
Q2: What happens if first-line treatment fails?
A: Oncologists may switch to second-line or third-line treatments, such as new drugs or clinical trials.
Q3: Is chemotherapy always the first-line treatment?
A: Not always. For some cancers, surgery or targeted therapy may be preferred initially.
Q4: Does Aartas provide first-line cancer treatments in Delhi?
A: Yes, Aartas Oncology Department offers complete diagnostic and treatment facilities under expert oncologists.
