Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a general term for treatments that use chemical agents (drugs) to kill cancer cells. Many different kinds of drugs are used, either alone or in combination, to treat different cancers. The specific drug or combination used is chosen to best combat the type and extent of cancer present.

Chemotherapy drugs are tested against various forms of cancer in an effort to find out which drugs work against that particular type of cancer. Multiple drugs, each individually effective against a certain cancer, are often combined to try and maximize the effect against the cancer. Drugs are combined so that there are few overlapping side effects, to make the treatment more tolerable. These combinations are then tested in clinical trials to see how effective they are. If a combination works better than the current "standard" treatment, it will become the new standard therapy.

Cycles of chemotherapy may be given daily, weekly or monthly for various periods of time. Time between cycles allows the body to recover from the ill effects of chemotherapy. The traditional ways to administer therapy include injections in the vein (IV), muscle or tumor; oral treatment (pills); or topical applications. Doctors determine the best way to administer chemotherapy based on the type and stage of cancer and the medications to be given.

Newer forms of chemotherapy are being developed and tested research centers throughout the world. Many of these drugs are based on an understanding of the biological differences between normal cells and cancer cells. These treatments are often referred to as "targeted therapies." The hope is that these treatments will target the cancer cells only and spare normal cells, or at least greatly reduce the side effects of therapy.



Chemotherapy drugs are given for several reasons:

1. To treat cancers that respond well to chemotherapy
2. To decrease the size of tumors for easier and safer removal by surgery
3. To enhance the cancer-killing effectiveness of other treatments, such as radiation therapy
4. In higher dosages, to overcome the resistance of cancer cells
5. To control the cancer and enhance the patient's quality of life


How are Chemotherapy Drugs given?

Chemotherapy is given in different ways depending on the cancer type and the drugs used.Methods of giving chemotherapy drugs include:

1. Intravenously (IV) – injected into a vein
2. Intrathecally (IT) – injected into the spinal canal during a lumbar puncture
3. Intramuscular (IM) – injected into a muscle
4. Intraperitoneal (IP) – injected into the abdominal cavity
5. Intracavitary (IC) – injected into a body cavity
6. Subcutaneous (sub.q.) – injected just under the skin
7. Oral (PO) – as a pill or a liquid to be swallowed


How Chemotherapy Works?

Chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells often multiply more rapidly than normal cells. Cancer cell are also less able to recover from the toxic effects of chemotherapy than can normal cells. Normal cells that divide rapidly, such as hair or blood cells, are also killed by chemotherapy. This results in common side effects such as hair falling out and blood counts dropping.

Chemotherapy drugs are tested against various forms of cancer in an effort to find out which drugs work against that particular type of cancer. Multiple drugs, each individually effective against a certain cancer, are often combined to try and maximize the effect against the cancer. Drugs are combined so that there are few overlapping side effects, to make the treatment more tolerable. These combinations are then tested in clinical trials to see how effective they are. If a combination works well than the current "standard" treatment, it will become the new standard therapy.

Cycles of chemotherapy may be given daily, weekly or monthly for various periods of time. Time between cycles allows the body to recover from the ill effects of chemotherapy. The traditional ways to administer therapy include injections in the vein (IV), muscle or tumor; oral treatment (pills); or topical applications. Doctors determine the best way to administer chemotherapy based on the type and stage of cancer and the medications to be given.


Risk of Chemotherapy :

The following list is an overview of possible short- and long-term side effects that can occur as a result of chemotherapy. Keep in mind that some side effects are temporary, and others can be minimized through medication and management by your doctor.
• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Infection
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nerve pain
• Muscle pain
• Mouth sores
• Temporary loss of menstrual periods
• Decrease in red blood cells and/or white blood cells
• Early menopause/loss of fertility
• Weight gain
• Heart disorders
• Leukemia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Urinary incontinence
• Cognitive complaints (e.g., memory lapses, slower processing


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