The nastiest-looking arteries might be stabilized with some form of local therapy, such as drug-coated stents, light-activated drugs to kill off inflamed cells or even gene therapy.

FORBES: Peeking at Plaque

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment for a metastatic recurrence usually involves whole body (systemic) therapy rather than local therapy such as surgery or radiation.

CNN: Recurrent breast cancer

Adrian Ashby, 49, from Alcester, is appealing against a local NHS decision in February which refused funding for a form of radiation therapy.

BBC: Warwickshire man seeks cancer treatment 'justice'

Fortunately, when I eventually suffered my stroke, I was rushed to the local hospital, then helicoptered to a second hospital, where I received splendid care and began a regimen of physical therapy.

NPR: A Stroke Couldn't Stop Gerald Ford