General cancer information

Types of treatment

Treatments for cancer of unknown primary (CUP) can include:

  • chemotherapy
  • radiotherapy (radiation therapy)
  • surgery
  • hormonal therapy
  • palliative care
  • targeted therapy – may be available in clinical trials
  • immunotherapy – may be available in clinical trials.

Most people with CUP may have one or more of these treatments. Not all treatments are suitable for every person with CUP.

Choose the option that best suits your situation

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, also known as chemo, is a way of treating cancer using drugs.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a way of treating cancers using x-rays or other types of radiation.

Surgery

The type of surgery you have depends on your cancer.

Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapy uses drugs to treat cancers that are sensitive to hormones.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that affect specific cells in some cancers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Palliative care

Palliative care deals with managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

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Side effects

It is good to be prepared for side effects and know how to manage them.

Physical wellbeing

Looking after your general health is important, even when you have cancer.

Emotional wellbeing

There are ways to deal with some of the emotional effects of having cancer.

Cancer costs

It is important to ask about costs before you start your treatment.