chemotherapy treatment Tag

Is Chemo Only for Cancer?

What’s the first word that comes to your mind when you hear the word chemotherapy? Cancer. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for different types and stages of cancer. Depending on the severity of the cancer, oncologists in Navi Mumbai perform chemotherapy either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and other procedures.

The question is, is chemotherapy only for cancer? No! It’s also used to treat certain autoimmune disorders and blood disorders. Let’s see what chemotherapy can treat.

Common Uses of Chemotherapy

For Cancer

More than a hundred types of chemotherapy drugs are used to treat different types of cancer. Cancer cells are known for multiplying rapidly. The initial stage of cancer is often confined to a specific organ, but it can spread to the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and organs if left untreated. Treatment gets harder as the cancer reaches an advanced stage.

Chemotherapy drugs kill the rapidly multiplying cancer cells. The goal of the treatment is to stop the cancer cells from growing or replicating. The number of chemotherapies required for each patient can vary depending on their cancer diagnosis and how far it’s spread.

For Non-Cancerous Diseases

Chemotherapy can be used in low doses or high doses for non-cancerous conditions, especially autoimmune disorders.

i) Autoimmune Disorders:

Lupus and other autoimmune disorders, in which your immune system attacks your organs and tissues, can be treated with chemotherapy. The therapy can suppress an overactive immune system.

ii) Bone Marrow Disorders:

Bone marrow diseases in which your bone marrow fails to produce adequate red blood cells might require chemotherapy combined with blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant. Chemotherapy is often performed before a bone marrow transplant to destroy the damaged bone marrow cells.

iii) Infections:

Some types of severe and persistent fungal infections can be treated with chemotherapy. Antifungal agents are used to offer relief to the patient. Viral infections that do not respond to the antiviral medication might also require chemotherapy, especially in patients with compromised immune systems.

Potential Side Effects of Chemotherapy

As mentioned earlier, chemotherapy kills cells that grow rapidly, which might also include the healthy cells in your gut and those responsible for your hair growth. So, side effects are not uncommon after each session. The severity of the side effects and how long they last depends on the chemo drugs you are given and the dosage. Here are possible side-effects of chemotherapy:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Memory loss (also called chemo brain)
• Fertility issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation

The side effects can vary from person to person. These are short-term issues that resolve on their own once the treatment stops and the new cells start to grow. Chemotherapy is also associated with long-term side effects, such as damage to your vital organs, like the heart, lungs, and reproductive system.

Conclusion

You can learn more about different types of chemotherapies and multiple methods used to administer the chemotherapy drugs into your body at the chemotherapy hospital in Navi Mumbai.

At What Stage of Cancer Is Chemotherapy Used?

Chemotherapy is a combination of medications used to kill cancer cells that are growing aggressively and spreading to your different organs. Chemotherapy treatment in Navi Mumbai is recommended for patients diagnosed with different stages of cancer.

It’s considered an effective treatment option for all types of cancers. The type of chemotherapy your doctor advises depends on the stage, type, and severity of the cancer. They might also factor in your age and health goals to determine the most suitable treatment option.

The Different Stages of Cancer

Chemotherapy can be given for stage I to stage IV cancer patients. Most types of cancer are categorized into four stages, and the diagnosis is done based on how aggressive the cancer cells are, where they have spread, and the patient’s health. For most types, cancer in its first stage is restricted to a specific organ, while the same in stage IV is considered metastatic cancer that has spread to the surrounding organs, probably throughout the body.

Here’s how chemotherapy is planned for different stages of cancer.

Stage 1:

Chemotherapy combined with surgery

Stage 2:

A surgical removal of the malignant tumor and several sessions of chemotherapy.

Stage 3A:

Chemotherapy with surgery or surgery followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the location of the cancer. If the cancer can’t be removed surgically, then a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy is prescribed.

Stage 3B and 3C:

Chemotherapy with multiple rounds of radiation therapy followed by surgery and immunotherapy.

Stage 4:

Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery (if possible), followed by more rounds of chemotherapy.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs are a combination of medications consisting of the following:

i) Alkylating Agents:

These are responsible for destroying the DNA of the replicating cancer cells.

ii) Antimetabolites:

These drugs can destroy cancer cells when they are about to grow out of control in your body. Antimetabolites work for breast, ovarian, and other types of cancer.

iii) Antitumor:

The medication changes the DNA structure of cancer cells, restricting their growth and multiplication inside the body. Mitotic inhibitors are also commonly used to treat cancer cells, but they contain a compound that might destroy healthy cells, as well. So, their use is often limited to certain types of cancers.

Benefits of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most viable cancer treatment for people diagnosed with cancer in different stages and severity statuses. Here’s how it benefits:

• Restrict the growth of the tumor or shrink its size to make surgical removal of the cancer possible
• Prevent the cancer cells from dividing
• Reduces the risk of relapse

Potential Side Effects

Oncologists in Navi Mumbai recommend chemotherapy after considering your age, size, type of cancer, and your health. Before you choose this treatment, know that it comes with side effects. These may vary depending on the chemo drugs used, but some common side effects found in most patients include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Weakness in muscles

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare to discuss the most suitable chemotherapy option, the length of the treatment, and the risks.

How Chemotherapy Is Done?

Introduction to Chemotherapy

The journey through cancer treatment often involves various therapeutic approaches, and one of the most well-known is chemotherapy. This widely recognized treatment plays a crucial role in combating cancer cells, and understanding how chemotherapy is administered can empower individuals facing cancer. In Navi Mumbai, centers like Mangal Prabhu Hospital offer comprehensive care under the expertise of skilled Oncologists in Navi Mumbai.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, often referred to as “chemo,” is a medical treatment that employs powerful drugs to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells. While cancer cells are the primary target, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, such as bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles.

What is the Purpose of Chemotherapy?

The primary goal of chemotherapy is to eliminate or control the growth of cancer cells. It can be used at different stages of cancer treatment:

a) Before Surgery:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy aims to shrink tumors before surgery, making them more manageable to remove.

b) After Surgery:

Adjuvant chemotherapy is administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

c) Primary Treatment:

In cases where surgery or radiation therapy may not be viable, chemotherapy is the immediate treatment.

d) For Palliative Care:

In advanced stages, chemotherapy can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life.

How Chemotherapy is Done?

The process of chemotherapy involves several key steps:

A) Consultation and Planning:

Patients undergo a thorough consultation with an oncologist before initiating chemotherapy. A personalized treatment plan is developed based on cancer type, stage, overall health, and medical history.

B) Drug Administration:

Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in various ways, including intravenously (IV), orally (in the form of pills or liquids), or through injections. The chosen method depends on the specific drugs and the patient’s condition.

C) Treatment Cycles:

Chemotherapy is often administered in cycles, each consisting of a treatment period followed by a rest period. This approach helps minimize damage to healthy cells and allows the body to recover.

D) Outpatient or Inpatient:

Depending on the intensity and duration of treatment, chemotherapy sessions may be conducted on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home afterward or in an inpatient setting for more extensive regimens.

What are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?

While chemotherapy is a powerful tool against cancer, it can also lead to side effects due to its impact on average, rapidly dividing cells. Common side effects may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Hair Loss
• Bone Marrow Suppression
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Mouth Sores
• Neuropathy

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is a dynamic and evolving aspect of cancer treatment, representing a cornerstone in the fight against this formidable disease. In Navi Mumbai, facilities like Mangal Prabhu Hospital, with dedicated oncologists, play a vital role in providing comprehensive Chemotherapy Treatment in Navi Mumbai. While the process can be challenging, understanding the purpose, procedure, and potential side effects empowers individuals on their cancer journey. With ongoing advancements in medical science, chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes and enhances the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.

CHEMOTHERAPY: TYPES, TREATMENT, AND SIDE EFFECTS!

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a medical procedure that employs medications to either eliminate or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It frequently works in tandem with other cancer therapies including surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy medications can be administered orally or intravenously, entering the bloodstream and travelling throughout the body to eradicate cancer cells wherever they may be.

Patients who receive chemotherapy treatments may endure side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion since these medications can also harm healthy cells. The type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s general health and other medical conditions, will determine the precise chemotherapy medications and treatment strategy.

Types of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy medications come in a wide variety of forms and are categorized in various ways. Below are some of the most typical chemotherapy regimens:

1. Alkylating Agents: These medications function by introducing an alkyl group to DNA, which prevents cancer cells from replicating. Cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and busulfan are a few examples.
   
2. Antimetabolites: These medications imitate the components of DNA and RNA, disrupting cancer cells’ ability to operate normally. Methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and are a few examples.
   
3. Anthracyclines: These medications function by obstructing the activity of an enzyme required for the replication of cancer cells. Doxorubicin and epirubicin are two examples.
   
4. Topoisomerase Inhibitors: These medications prevent the action of topoisomerases, which are essential for DNA replication. Irinotecan and etoposide are two examples.
   
5. Mitotic Inhibitors: These medications act by preventing cell division. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are two examples.
   
6. Platinum Compounds: By attaching to DNA, these medications stop cancer cells from proliferating. Cisplatin and carboplatin are two examples.
   
7. Monoclonal Antibodies: These medicines, which are referred to as targeted therapies, specifically target the proteins on the outer layer of cancer cells. Trastuzumab and rituximab are two examples.

Also Read: What You Need To Know Chemotherapy?

The Stage Of Cancer At Which Chemotherapy Is Used

Depending on the type of cancer and its stage of development, chemotherapy may be administered at various stages of cancer treatment. The Chemotherapy centre in Navi Mumbai states that in order to make a tumour smaller and easier to remove, chemotherapy may occasionally be administered prior to surgery.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy denotes this. In some instances, chemotherapy may be used following surgery to eradicate any cancer cells that remained and lower the likelihood of the disease returning. The term for this is adjuvant chemotherapy.

For some cancer types, especially those that have spread past their original site, chemotherapy can also be employed as the main treatment. Chemotherapy is used in these situations to kill cancer cells throughout the body and inhibit or stop the spread of the disease.

An oncologist, who focuses on treating cancer, is often part of the healthcare team that decides whether to use chemotherapy and when to administer it. The particular course of treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s general health, and any other medical disorders.

Treatment Methods Post Chemotherapy

According to an Oncologist in Navi Mumbai, the subsequent course of treatment following chemotherapy is determined by the type of cancer being treated and the patient’s response to the chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be able to totally eradicate cancer in rare situations, leaving the patient free from further treatment. In some situations, extra therapy could be required to guarantee that every cancer cell is eliminated and stop the disease from coming back. Following chemotherapy, these typical next steps are listed:

1. Surgery: To remove the tumour, if the cancer is limited and has not progressed to other body parts, surgery may be advised.
   
2. Radiation Therapy: This involves killing cancer cells with high-energy radiation. It can be used either on its own or in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery.
   
3. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is administering medications that support the body’s immune system in identifying and eliminating cancer cells.
   
4. Targeted Therapy: When used to treat certain types of cancer, targeted therapy includes administering medications that specifically target chemicals or proteins in cancer cells.
   
5. Hormone Therapy: Hormone treatment is used to treat tumours including breast and prostate cancer that are susceptible to hormones. Hormone treatment stops the hormones that promote the growth of cancer cells from being produced or acting, which is how it works.

The type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient’s general condition, and other considerations will determine which treatment should be used following chemotherapy. Together, you and your oncologist will create a treatment strategy that is personalised for your unique requirements.