What Is Chemotherapy? And How Does It Work?

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What Is Chemotherapy? And How Does It Work?

 

Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.

 

What is Chemotherapy?


Chemotherapy (sometimes called chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs as part of a standardized treatment plan. Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells, or by slowing their growth.

There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs, and they are often grouped together based on how they work. Some common types of chemotherapy drugs include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, plant alkaloids, topoisomerase inhibitors, and platinum-based drugs.

Chemotherapy is typically given intravenously (through an IV), but can also be given orally (in pill form) or topically (as a cream). The specific drugs and dosage will be determined by your doctor based on the type and stage of cancer being treated.

 

How does Chemotherapy Work?


Chemotherapy (also called cancer chemotherapy or chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs as part of a standardized regimen. Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells, or by stopping them from growing and dividing.

Most chemotherapy regimens consist of a combination of drugs, given in cycles of treatment. Each cycle is usually 21 to 28 days long, with treatments given on specific days during that cycle. The number of cycles you have will depend on the type and stage of your cancer, as well as how well you tolerate the treatment.

While chemotherapy can be very effective at treating cancer, it can also cause side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the drugs used, the dose, how often the drugs are given, and the length of treatment. Some common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, anemia (low red blood cell count), hair loss, mouth sores, and decreased appetite.

 

Side Effects of Chemotherapy


Side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type and dose of drugs you receive, as well as how your body responds to treatment. Some common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and decreased blood cell counts. These side effects usually go away after treatment is finished.

There are many side effects of chemotherapy, some of which can be very severe. The most common side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Hair loss

  • Fatigue

  • Diarrhea

  • Mouth sores

  • Neuropathy (tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet)


Some of these side effects can be managed with medication or other treatments, but others may be more difficult to deal with. It's important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing so that they can help you manage them.

 

Who should get Chemotherapy?


There are several factors that contribute to the decision of whether or not a patient should receive chemotherapy. Some of these include the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preference.

In general, chemotherapy is recommended for patients with cancer that has spread beyond its original site (metastatic cancer) or when cancer cells are present in the body but cannot be detected by imaging tests (micrometastatic disease). Chemotherapy can also be used as adjuvant therapy, which means it is given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Age and overall health are important considerations when deciding if chemotherapy is right for a patient. Younger patients tend to tolerate chemotherapy better than older patients, who may have more underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by treatment. In addition, patients who are in good overall health tend to respond better to chemotherapy than those who are not.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to receive chemotherapy is a personal one. Patients should discuss all of their options with their doctor and make a decision that is right for them.

 

Conclusion


Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment that can save lives. It works by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be used as a single treatment or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. While chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for cancer, it can also cause side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. If you are considering chemotherapy, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to make sure it is the right treatment for you. For this purpose, quickly book an appointment with an Oncologist for an in-person meeting.

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