Chemotherapy: Purpose, Procedure, and Side Effects

Chemotherapy utilizes certain powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells in the body. Since these cells grow and divide faster than most others, chemotherapy is a common approach to cancer treatment. It is often combined with other treatment options like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy. The opinion to use combination therapy depends on various factors, including:

• Your overall health
• The type and stage of cancer
• The location of cancer cells
• Previous treatments you have received
• Your personal treatment preferences

Chemotherapy is a whole-body treatment that impacts the entire system, not just the targeted cancer cells. While it effectively targets cancer cells, it can be prone to causing significant side effects that may impact your quality of life. Weighing these side effects against the risks of not receiving treatment is crucial when deciding if chemotherapy is the right choice for you.

Why is Chemotherapy Done?

Chemotherapy serves several key purposes, including:

• Reducing the overall number of cancer cells in the body.
• Shrinking tumors.
• Preparing you for other treatments like radiation and surgery.
• Alleviating symptoms and improving comfort.

Oncologists may recommend chemotherapy after surgery, such as a lumpectomy for breast cancer, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It can also be used to prepare for further treatments. For example, chemotherapy may shrink a tumor before surgical removal or help prepare the body for radiation therapy.

Beyond cancer treatment, chemotherapy is also used to manage bone marrow disorders and immune system diseases. It is crucial in preparing patients with bone marrow conditions for stem cell transplants. Additionally, lower doses of chemotherapy can help treat autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

Side Effects

Chemotherapy is intended to kill rapidly dividing cells. Other cells in your body also divide quickly, although cancer cells are the kind that do. Chemotherapy might harm the cells in the tissues listed below:

• Blood
• Hair
• Skin
• The lining of your intestinal tract

As a result, chemotherapy can cause the following side effects:

• Easy bruising
• Diarrhoea
• Dry Mouth
• Mouth sores
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Pain from nerve damage
• Infections
• Anaemia
• Constipation
• Neuropathy
• Lymphedema
• Memory problems
• Concentration problems
• Skin changes
• Nail changes
• Insomnia
• Sexual changes
• Fertility changes

Long-term Effects

When chemotherapy is finished, the majority of its side effects disappear. But depending on the kind of chemotherapy used, there is also a chance of long-term consequences that could manifest years after treatment.

These outcomes could result in harm to the:

• Heart
• Infertility
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Nerves
• Reproductive organs

Additionally, chemotherapy increases the risk of getting cancer again. Talk to your doctor about possible risks and symptoms to watch for before beginning chemotherapy.

Determining the Right Approach

Planning is crucial before starting chemotherapy, as it is a serious treatment for a severe illness. Your doctor and medical team will assist you in anticipating potential treatment-related challenges. Before beginning chemotherapy, you will undergo several tests to ensure you are physically fit for the treatment. These tests typically include a cardiac evaluation and blood tests to assess liver function.

Your test results will help your doctor choose the most appropriate chemotherapy treatment for your specific condition. Additionally, a dental checkup may be recommended before treatment begins. Since chemotherapy weakens the body’s ability to heal, untreated gum or tooth infections could spread and cause complications.

If chemotherapy is administered through an intravenous (IV) line, your doctor may place a port, a small implanted device typically positioned near the shoulder in the chest. Using a port makes vein access easier and reduces discomfort during treatment, as the IV is inserted into the port for each session.

How to Prepare for Chemotherapy

Preparing for chemotherapy can help you feel more comfortable and confident before treatment begins.

• Talk to your doctor: Ask what to expect, which medicines you will receive, and possible side effects. Knowing this helps you plan better.
• Complete medical tests: Your doctor may order blood tests or scans to ensure your body is ready for treatment.
• Plan for side effects: Ask about side effects like nausea, hair loss, or tiredness. You may plan for wigs, scarves, gentle skin care, or fertility options if needed.
• Prepare your home: Finish chores like laundry and grocery shopping. Stock up on easy-to-cook foods.
• Arrange support: Ask family or friends for help with housework, pets, or childcare if needed.
• Plan work and finances: Talk to your employer about a lighter schedule or time off. Check insurance coverage and available support programs.
• Visit the dentist: Treat any dental issues before treatment to lower the risk of infection.
• Get ready for treatment days: Eat a light meal, rest well, and arrange for someone to drive you if needed.

Good preparation helps reduce stress and makes chemotherapy easier to manage.

How is Chemotherapy Done?

You and your doctor will work together to determine the best treatment plan by considering all relevant factors.

Chemotherapy is commonly administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, but several other delivery methods are available. The right approach depends on the type and location of the cancer.

Here are some ways chemotherapy can be administered:

• Direct tumor application: If the tumor is accessible, chemotherapy can be applied directly. In some cases, slow-dissolving discs may be implanted during surgery to release medication gradually.
• Topical treatment: Certain skin cancers can be treated with chemotherapy creams.
• Localized application: Chemotherapy can be delivered directly to specific areas, such as the bladder (through the urethra), abdomen, chest, or central nervous system.
• Oral medication: Some chemotherapy drugs are available as pills.
• Injection or port delivery: Liquid chemotherapy may be given as a single injection or through a port, which requires a needle for each session.

The chosen delivery method influences where you receive treatment. Some options, like creams or pills, allow for at-home treatment, while others require visits to a hospital or cancer treatment center.

Your chemotherapy schedule will be personalized based on your condition and response to treatment. If your body does not react well, adjustments can be made by increasing, decreasing, or modifying the frequency of treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions