Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful medications to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It's one of the main treatments for cancer and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells but can also affect some healthy cells. This is why chemotherapy can cause side effects. However, modern chemotherapy is more targeted than in the past, and side effects are usually manageable with proper support and care.

Mechanisms:

• Kills cancer cells directly
• Stops cancer cells from dividing
• Prevents cancer cells from growing
• Works throughout the body (systemic)

Administration:

• Intravenous (IV): Through vein (most common)
• Oral: Pills or capsules
• Injection: Into muscle or under skin
• Topical: Creams applied to skin
• Other: Into specific body areas

Treatment Schedule:

• Usually given in cycles
• Treatment period followed by rest period
• Allows healthy cells to recover
• Schedule varies by type of cancer and drugs

Chemotherapy is used to:

Cure Cancer:

• Primary treatment
• Can eliminate cancer
• Goal is complete remission

Control Cancer:

• Shrink tumors
• Prevent growth
• Control symptoms
• Prolong life

Shrink Before Surgery:

• Neoadjuvant therapy
• Makes surgery easier
• May allow less extensive surgery

After Surgery:

• Adjuvant therapy
• Kills remaining cancer cells
• Reduces recurrence risk

Palliative Care:

• Relieve symptoms
• Improve quality of life
• When cure not possible

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue: Feeling very tired
• Nausea and vomiting: Can be managed with medications
• Hair loss: Not all drugs cause this
• Mouth sores: Can be managed
• Diarrhea or constipation: Usually manageable
• Low blood counts: Increased infection risk
• Appetite changes: May need nutritional support

Managing Side Effects:

• Medications for nausea
• Medications to boost blood counts
• Nutritional support
• Pain management
• Emotional support
• Most side effects are temporary

Serious Side Effects (seek medical care):

• Signs of infection (fever, chills)
• Severe nausea/vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe pain
• Unusual bleeding
• Severe diarrhea

Before Treatment:

• Comprehensive evaluation
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests
• Discussion of treatment plan
• Informed consent
• Preparation instructions

During Treatment:

• Usually outpatient (can go home)
• Sometimes inpatient (stay in hospital)
• IV insertion
• Medication administration
• Monitoring during infusion
• Usually takes 30 minutes to several hours

After Treatment:

• Can usually resume normal activities
• May need rest
• Follow-up appointments
• Monitoring for side effects
• Support available

During Treatment:

• Rest: Get plenty of rest
• Nutrition: Eat well, may need modifications
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids
• Hygiene: Careful handwashing, avoid sick people
• Activity: Light activity as able
• Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help

Managing Side Effects:

• Take medications as prescribed
• Report side effects to team
• Follow dietary recommendations
• Practice good oral hygiene
• Protect skin from sun
• Stay connected with support system

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Severe pain
• Signs of severe infection
• Unusual bleeding
• Severe allergic reaction

• Any side effects
• Questions about treatment
• Concerns about symptoms
• Need for support
• Emotional concerns
• Financial or practical concerns

• Regular appointments
• Blood tests
• Monitoring
• Support services
• Follow treatment plan

Available Support:

• Oncology nurses
• Social workers
• Nutritionists
• Support groups
• Counseling
• Financial assistance
• Practical help

Important:

• You're not alone
• Support is available
• Ask questions
• Communicate with team
• Take care of yourself

Prevent Infections (during treatment):

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid sick people
• Avoid crowds
• Practice good hygiene
• Get vaccinations (as approved)
• Report signs of infection immediately

Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Your doctor can tell you if your specific treatment will cause hair loss. If it does, hair usually grows back after treatment ends.

Many people continue working, though you may need to adjust your schedule. It depends on your job, treatment schedule, and how you feel. Discuss with your healthcare team.

It varies widely depending on the type of cancer, treatment goals, and response. Some treatments last weeks, others months. Your doctor will discuss your specific treatment plan.

Depending on the cancer, there may be other options like targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. Your doctor will discuss all treatment options with you.

It depends on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy can cure some cancers, control others, and relieve symptoms in advanced cases. Your doctor will discuss your specific situation and treatment goals.