Chemotherapy
Treatment For Cancer
Treatment For Cancer
What is
Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a popular drug treatment used against Cancer. It uses medicine to destroy fast-spreading Cancer cells. Cancer cells can grow at a rapid rate. Chemotherapy works by using powerful chemicals to stop these cells from reproducing. These drugs are usually given intravenously or orally. There are different types of chemotherapies available, and they all work with a similar mode of action. Doctors may utilise Chemotherapy in conjunction with other forms of Cancer treatments.
The efficiency of Chemotherapy in treating Cancer depends on several factors, including the Cancer stage, type of Cancer, size, and location of the Cancer, age, and overall health of the patient. While this procedure may be effective in treating different types of primary and metastatic Cancers, it can cause serious side effects.
Need of Chemotherapy
Once a person is diagnosed with Cancer, Chemotherapy may stop its spread. Cancer cells can rapidly spread in one’s body. Chemotherapy is required to target rapidly dividing cells and prevent them from dividing and multiplying. This pocess may be done as follows:
- It can be the prime form of treatment to kill Cancer cells.
- It can be used along with other treatments like radiation and surgery.
- It can be used after Cancer removal surgery to kill any hidden or leftover Cancer cells.
- In cases where Cancer may be terminal, Chemotherapy may be needed as a palliative treatment to reduce the symptoms of Cancer.
The goal may vary depending on the type and stage of Cancer. In some cases, the goal may be to eliminate Cancer cells, while in others, it may be to shrink the tumour, relieve symptoms, or slow down the spread of Cancer.
Causes of Cancer
Cancer can develop in the body due to several factors, including lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet, exposure to carcinogens, and genetic mutations. Some Cancers may be inherited, while others may be caused by environmental factors such as radiation or chemical exposure.
In some cases, it can also be used to treat other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, by suppressing the immune system and lowering inflammation in the body.
What are the
Different Types of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be categorised into different types depending on how the treatment is delivered or what types of drugs are used. Based on how it is delivered, it can be of the following types:
- Intravenous
- Oral
- Topical
Based on the type and combination of drugs, it can be of the following types:
- Alkylating agents
- Antimetabolites
- Anti-tumour antibiotics
- Mitotic inhibitors
- Plant alkaloids
- Topoisomerase inhibitors
Doctors will decide what is the best course based on individual cases.
Tests required Before
Treatment
Before you go in for any type of treatment, doctors must perform a complete physical exam along with a review of your medical history. Doctors will also conduct some tests before they schedule your treatment. These tests help determine your overall health as well as the most appropriate course of treatment. Some of these tests include:
- Biopsy: this will be done initially to determine the type and stage of Cancer.
- Blood test: Blood tests will be done before every procedure to determine your platelet count, white blood cell (WBC), and red blood cell (RBC).
- Scans like X-Ray, MRI, OR CT Scan: Imaging scans like these will determine the location and the extent of Cancer spread.
- Heart function tests: Tests like ECG, EKG, or Echocardiogram will help doctors assess your heart health as certain chemotherapies may affect the heart.
- Pulmonary function tests: Some drugs can also affect the lungs, so tests may be performed to evaluate lung function.
Some patients may require fewer tests, while others may need to go through some additional tests. The tests you get will depend on what type of Cancer you have and how it is affecting your body.
You are encouraged to discuss with your healthcare provider any queries that you may have regarding these tests. As a patient, you have all the right to completely understand the course of your Chemotherapy treatment.
How is Chemotherapy treatment
for Cancer performed?
Chemotherapy treatment for Cancer can be performed in different ways as best deemed by the Oncologists. Here are some common ways in which you may receive it:
- Intravenously: Chemo drugs can be administered intravenously through an IV line where a tube with a needle is inserted into your arm’s vein or a vein in your chest.
- Orally: These drugs can also be given orally in the form of pills.
- Topically: Sometimes, Chemo drugs can also be applied on the skin in the form of topical creams or gels.
- Through Injections: You may also receive the treatment in the form of injections or shots.
- Targeting an area of the body: In certain cases, it can target a particular area of the body directly, like the central nervous system, abdomen, chest cavity, etc. These are known as targeted therapy.
Before Treatment
Here are some things to expect before you go for your treatment.
- Be prepared for some tests and evaluations before treatment. These include blood tests, scans, etc.
- You may have a consultation session with your Oncologist before you go for the treatment. The doctors will provide information and counselling about the potential side effects of Chemo and how to manage them. It is advised that you learn everything you can about the process you will receive, as this will help you manage the side effects and prepare physically and mentally for the procedure.
- It is recommended to schedule a dentist appointment before the chemo session. This is done to ensure you have a healthy mouth and there is no infection. This treatment can cause side effects like mouth sores and changes in your taste buds, and oral infections can aggravate these issues
- Talk to the doctor about any recommended lifestyle changes and dietary requirements to incorporate into your routine before the session.
- Talk to your family members and have someone drive you to the hospital and be with you after the chemo treatment.
- Have things like books, music, movies, etc. with you to divert your mind during the session.
Chemotherapy affects different people differently. Planning can help you be in some control and get through the treatment with mental and physical strength
During Treatment
Chemotherapy may be considered in an outpatient unit, doctor’s office, hospital, depending on your condition. During the session, you will receive the medicine as prescribed by the doctor, i.e., orally or intravenously. The length of a process can vary depending on the individual’s specific treatment plan and the type of Cancer being treated. In general, an infusion session can take 2 to 4 hours, but it can sometimes take longer.
After Treatment
What happens after a session will depend on where and what type of therapy you received. After a chemo session, the following will occur:
- You will be monitored by the medical team for some time for any immediate side effects. If there are no immediate side effects, you will be asked to go home.
- You may have a post-chemo consultation with the doctor, wherein the doctor will explain the possible side effects and how to deal with them.
- You may have pain and swelling on the IV site.
- You will be asked to come back after some time for post-chemo tests and scans to see how effective the treatment was.
- You may feel a range of side effects, including nausea, hair loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.
- Your process may be repeated daily, weekly, or monthly. The doctors will let you know when you need to come back for the next session.
Risk Associated
with Chemotherapy Treatment
Certain risk factors can affect the individual response treatment. These include:
- Size, location, stage, and type of the Cancer
- Patient’s health and age
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Weakened immune system
- Dosage of the chemo drugs
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol usage
- Drug abuse
- Poor nutrition
It itself can cause several side effects, including:
- Anaemia
- Bleeding
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores and dry mouth
- Nausea
- Neuropathy or nerve damage
- Pain
- Skin and nail changes
- Vomiting
Chemotherapy treatment for Cancer is part of an overall carefully devised Cancer treatment plan. Cancer is a deadly disease, and its treatment should be done by experienced Oncologists with the latest treatment methods. If you are looking for Chemotherapy treatment in India, Wockhardt Hospitals has the best oncologists, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the latest technology for the most effective treatment methods.
Talk with our expert
Life Wins Stories
Paresh Vyas
Excellent facility with renowned Cardiologists like Dr Dharmesh R Solanki. Very humble doctors, and good staff. Value for money.
Meena Kothari
Excellent facility with renowned Cardiologists like Dr Dharmesh R Solanki. Very humble doctors, and good staff. Value for money.
Life Wins Stories
Paresh Vyas
Excellent facility with renowned Cardiologists like Dr Dharmesh R Solanki. Very humble doctors, and good staff. Value for money.
Meena Kothari
Excellent facility with renowned Cardiologists like Dr Dharmesh R Solanki. Very humble doctors, and good staff. Value for money.
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