Skip to content

International patient

Metabolic therapy 

What is metabolic therapy?  

Metabolic therapy is an innovative approach to cancer treatment that seeks to alter the metabolism of tumor cells to inhibit their growth and promote their destruction. This type of therapy is based on the knowledge that cancer cells have a different metabolism than normal cells, which makes them vulnerable to specific interventions that target their metabolic processes. 

What is the purpose of this procedure? 

Metabolic therapy is primarily used in: 

  • Treatment of solid tumors: Most notably in cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. 
  • Inhibition of tumor growth: It is used to block metabolic processes that are essential for the proliferation of cancer cells. 
  • Sensitization to other treatments: It serves to improve the effectiveness of conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. 
  • Personalized therapy: it helps adapt the treatment according to the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient. 

Benefits of advanced technology in targeted radioisotopes 

Metabolic therapy acts on tumor cells’ altered metabolic pathways. These cells often depend on processes such as anaerobic glycolysis (high glucose consumption) or excessive lactic acid production. Metabolic therapy uses specific drugs or interventions to block these metabolic pathways, depriving cancer cells of the resources they need to survive and multiply. 

Terapia metabolica 2560x1707

What does the procedure involve?

Metabolic therapy involves: 

  • Preparation:

    To prepare, your oncologist will review your medical history and the results of previous tests, such as biopsies, genetic studies or molecular analysis. In addition, you will undergo further tests to identify the tumor’s specific metabolic characteristics. 
  • During the procedure:

    During treatment, medications designed to alter tumor metabolism will be administered orally or intravenously, according to the established protocol. During each session, your medical team will monitor any possible side effects and assess how you are responding to the treatment. The treatment duration varies depending on the type of tumor and your response to treatment, but it is generally carried out in cycles of weeks or months at a time. 
  • After the procedure:

    After treatment, you will have regular check-ups to assess the response and detect any possible side effects. You will undergo regular tests, such as blood tests and imaging studies to measure the metabolic therapy’s effectiveness. The results will be reviewed with your oncologist, who will adjust the treatment plan if necessary. 

Recommendations for the procedure 

It is important to inform the medical team if you are allergic to any medication or materials used during the procedure. Also, follow all medical instructions carefully before, during and after the treatment to guarantee your well-being and the efficacy of the treatment. If you experience side effects such as nausea, extreme fatigue, or changes in appetite, inform your doctor as soon as possible. 

Are there any risks?  

Metabolic therapy is a safe and effective treatment, although it can cause some side effects related to the alteration of metabolic processes: 

  • Fatigue: You may experience a feeling of extreme tiredness during treatment. 
  • Nausea: Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. 
  • Changes in glucose levels: There may be alterations in your blood sugar levels, so they should be monitored. 
  • Local inflammation: in rare cases, inflammation may occur in the treated tissues. 

To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation. 

Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign. 

If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps. 

These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident. 

Do you need to undergo this procedure?

Make an appointment

facebookinstagramlinkedinxyoutubetravelgroupcalendar_todaysearchmenuclosetroubleshootarrow_up