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How chemotherapy is done? Treatment and Objectives

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment to treat cancer. It uses medicines to kill cancer cells and stops the tumour from growing. Sometimes, it’s used together with other treatments like surgery or radiation. In this article, we will understand concepts like how is chemotherapy done and how long does chemotherapy lasts, providing a better understanding of what to expect during this treatment.

Goals of Chemotherapy Treatment

The purpose of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and its stage. Here are some primary goals of the treatment—

• As the primary treatment

Often known as “Curative Chemotherapy”, the treatment aims to eliminate cancer and prevent it from coming back.

• Before other treatments

Chemotherapy can be given before surgery or radiation therapy to shrink tumours. This can be called "neoadjuvant chemotherapy."

• After other treatments

Following surgery or radiation therapy, chemotherapy can be given to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. This is called "adjuvant chemotherapy."

• To slow cancer progression and relieve symptoms

Even when a cure isn’t possible, chemotherapy can reduce tumour size and prevent tumour growth and spread. In such cases, chemotherapy can extend survival, relieve cancer-related symptoms, and improve quality of life. This use of chemotherapy is sometimes called "palliative chemotherapy."

• Chemotherapy can be used to treat various cancer types, including cases of recurrent cancer (cancer that comes back after treatment) and metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).

Where do you receive the treatment?

Depending on the type of chemotherapy, you may have the treatment:

• In a medical centre

• At home

• In a chemotherapy day unit or outpatient clinic

If you receive the treatment at home, your healthcare team will explain how to safely store, handle, and throw away the medicine. More details are provided in the sections about "oral chemotherapy" and "topical chemotherapy" below.

How is Chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy may be given in several different ways. This includes:

• Injected chemotherapy

This is when you receive chemotherapy as a shot which may be given in a muscle or injected under the skin. You may receive these shots in the arm, leg, or abdomen (belly).

When given into a muscle it might feel a bit painful or uncomfortable for a short time. This is called an intramuscular injection. Injections under the skin are called subcutaneous injections.

• Intra-arterial (IA) chemotherapy

Sometimes chemotherapy is injected into an artery that goes directly to the cancer.

• Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy

In this type of treatment, the medication might be placed directly in the abdomen. This works for cancers involving the peritoneum. Ovarian cancer is one type of cancer that frequently spreads to the peritoneum.

• Intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy

A fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. In some cancers, such as some leukaemias, lymphomas, or brain tumours, the cancer cells can pass into the CSF. Doctors may give intrathecal chemotherapy to prevent this from happening, or to destroy any cancer cells in the CSF.

• Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy

In this the drugs are injected directly into a vein. This is called continuous infusion chemotherapy.

• Topical chemotherapy

Some types of chemotherapy come as a cream that you put on your skin.

• Oral chemotherapy

This is taken by mouth and it can be as a pill, capsule, or liquid.

How long does chemotherapy last?

The treatment duration depends on —

1. Your cancer type

2. The cancer’s stage

3. Treatment goal: cure, control, or pain relief

4. Chemotherapy type

5. Your body's response

Chemotherapy drugs are typically given in cycles, where each cycle consists of the treatment day and recovery periods. Each course of chemotherapy is different, but generally consists of four to six cycles. A cycle usually lasts one to four weeks and is then repeated, which means a treatment is administered every one to four weeks, enabling your body to create new healthy cells. 

Some cancers are treated with less recovery time between cycles. This is called a dose-dense schedule. It can make chemotherapy more effective against some cancers. But it also increases the risk of side effects.

Results of Chemotherapy

The effectiveness of chemotherapy can vary from patient to patient. When evaluating the success of chemotherapy, your doctor will assess how your body is reacting to this treatment approach.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is a critical part of the cancer treatment journey. Learning about how chemotherapy is done and how long chemotherapy lasts, can help deal with the anxiety associated with it. Each patient’s experience with chemotherapy is unique. Be sure to talk with your doctor, nurse, or other team member regularly about side effects of chemotherapy, including what you can expect and what you are experiencing.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the Wellness Corner

Source: ncbi, cancer.org, cancer.net, webmd, my.clevelandclinic, vacancer, macmillan

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on October 23, 2023