In a poignant revelation on Friday, Princess Catherine, also known as Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, disclosed that she has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy following a recent diagnosis of cancer. The Duchess of Cambridge, in a video released by Kensington Palace, shared details of her medical journey, including a major abdominal surgery she underwent in London.
Initially believing her condition to be non-cancerous, Princess Catherine stated that subsequent tests after the surgery revealed the presence of cancer. In accordance with her medical team’s advice, she commenced preventative chemotherapy in late February and is currently in the early stages of the treatment.
While Princess Catherine did not disclose the specific type or stage of cancer she is battling, medical experts shed light on the significance of “preventative chemotherapy.” Dr. Katherine Van Loon, a gastrointestinal oncologist at the University of California, San Francisco, clarified that “preventative chemotherapy” is not a medical term but likely refers to adjuvant chemotherapy.
Adjuvant chemotherapy, as explained by Dr. Van Loon, aims to eliminate any residual cancer cells that may have evaded detection during surgery and could potentially lead to a recurrence of the disease. Dr. Jeremy Jones, from the Mayo Clinic, emphasized that adjuvant chemotherapy is a standard practice aimed at reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, particularly for patients with later-stage cancers.
Factors such as the stage of cancer and the patient’s clinical history guide the decision to proceed with adjuvant chemotherapy, Dr. Jones noted. This treatment, administered after the removal of visible cancer traces during surgery, utilizes various chemotherapy agents to target any remaining cancer cells.
Dr. Beth Karlan, from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, underscored the positive impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival and its potential to extend patients’ lives. She highlighted Princess Catherine’s openness about her experience as a source of inspiration and hope for others facing similar challenges.
Preventative chemotherapy typically spans several months, with drugs administered via infusion at a hospital or facility. Some patients may require continuous chemotherapy through a port and pump system at home.
