Treatment for cancer of unknown primary (CUP)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

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 uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You might have chemotherapy to treat cancer of unknown primary. 

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. 

Some cancers depend on hormones to grow. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers the amount of hormones in the body. Find out what hormone therapy is, how you have it and the possible side effects.

Treatment to control symptoms is also called palliative care. The aim of palliative treatment is to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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.