What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves administering potent medications to eliminate rapidly dividing cells within your body. Primarily employed in cancer treatment, chemotherapy targets cancer cells' accelerated growth and proliferation compared to other types of cells. A diverse range of chemotherapy drugs can be utilized individually or in conjunction with others to combat various cancer types.
Why is it done?
Chemotherapy is done to eliminate cancer cells in individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Chemotherapy serves various purposes in the context of cancer treatment:
- Primary Treatment: Cancer Chemotherapy can be utilized as the main or sole treatment to achieve a cure for cancer. It aims to destroy cancer cells and halt their growth and spread.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Following other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy may eradicate any hidden cancer cells in the body.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Sometimes, chemotherapy is administered before other treatments like radiation therapy or surgery. By shrinking the tumour, it facilitates the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.
- Palliative Care: Chemotherapy can be employed to alleviate the signs and symptoms of cancer by targeting and eliminating cancer cells. This palliative chemotherapy aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
The specific use of chemotherapy depends on factors such as cancer type, stage, and individual patient considerations. Medical professionals determine the treatment plan based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition.
What types of cancer can be treated by Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is an effective treatment option for a diverse range of cancers, including:
- Primary Cancer: This refers to cancer confined to its original site and has not yet spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy can target and eradicate cancer cells in the primary tumour.
- Metastatic Cancer: Metastatic cancer is characterized by spreading cancer cells from the primary site to other body regions. Chemotherapy is valuable in treating metastatic cancer as it can reach cancer cells throughout the body, inhibiting their growth and reducing tumour size in multiple locations.
Types of Chemotherapy done at Apex Hospitals
Chemotherapy can be administered through various methods, and the oncologists at Apex Hospitals will determine the most suitable type for your specific situation.
The commonly employed methods include:
- Intravenous Chemotherapy: This involves administering chemotherapy drugs directly into a vein. Typically performed in a hospital setting, a tube is inserted into a vein in your hand, arm, or chest to deliver the medication. Close monitoring is provided during this process.
- Oral Chemotherapy: This entails taking chemotherapy medication in tablets or capsules. It allows for the convenience of receiving treatment at home, with regular follow-up appointments at the hospital for check-ups and monitoring.
Your treatment plan may involve using a single chemotherapy drug or a combination of different drugs, depending on the type and stage of your cancer.
Typically, chemotherapy is administered over multiple sessions over a few months. The healthcare team at Apex Hospitals will determine the exact duration and frequency of the treatment sessions based on your individual needs and response to therapy.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
In addition to targeting cancer cells, chemotherapy can also affect specific healthy cells in your body, including blood cells, skin cells, and cells in the stomach.
These effects can give rise to various undesirable side effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Hair Loss
- Increased Infection Risk
- Mouth Sores
- Skin Issues
- Digestive Problems such as constipation or diarrhoea
Many of these side effects can be managed or prevented, and it's important to note that most, if not all, of these effects tend to diminish after the completion of treatment.
The healthcare team at Apex Hospitals will provide appropriate measures to alleviate these side effects and enhance your comfort during Chemotherapy. Supportive care, medications, and lifestyle adjustments can help mitigate these effects and promote overall well-being throughout the treatment process. Get an appointment at Apex Hospitals to know the chemotherapy cost in Jaipur.
