Chemotherapy—the most commonly used treatment approach for cancer—is believed to kill most types of the fastest-growing cells in the human body. The treatment involves different types of drugs, which are effective for various forms and stages of cancer.
These drugs, however, come with certain side effects, as they tend to kill healthy cells, too. It’s important to discuss the benefits and potential risks of chemo with a cancer specialist in Navi Mumbai before considering it. In the meantime, let’s see what chemotherapy involves and how it treats cancer.
Common Types of Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy drugs are categorized into the following types:
i) Alkylating Agents:
These cancer-killing cells destroy the DNA within the rapidly growing cells, thus preventing their multiplication and growth. The drugs are mainly used for cancers that develop gradually. Examples of alkylating agents include melphalan, temozolomide, cisplatin, busulfan, and Chlorambucil.
ii) Antimetabolites:
These drugs work by pretending to be the nutrients a cell requires for growth, eventually destroying the cancer cells by starving them to death.
iii) Anti-tumor Antibiotics:
These antibiotics destroy the DNA cells that tend to replicate quickly.
iv) Plant Alkaloids:
Mitosis is a medical procedure that affects the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide. Plant Alkaloids, also called mitotic inhibitors, contain the same compound that plants use to protect themselves from predators.
How Chemotherapy Drugs Work
Normal cells in the human body follow a cell cycle, copying DNA material to multiply and then dying when their work is done. Cancer cells, however, never die. They keep replicating the DNA within them and divide rapidly, spreading throughout the body.
These cells form tumors, which, in turn, affect your healthy organs. The goal of chemotherapy treatment in Navi Mumbai is to disrupt this cell cycle by killing cancer cells or interfering with their ability to divide.
Benefits of Chemotherapy Drugs
- It kills cancer cells so that they don’t grow and spread.
- It can shrink the tumor so that your surgeon can surgically remove it.
- The treatment increases your chances of living a healthy and longer life.
Potential Side Effects
While chemotherapy is an effective treatment for different types of cancers, it comes with its share of side effects. The treatment kills other fastest-growing cells in your body, such as the blood-forming cells or the hair follicles. The procedure can lead to:
- Hair loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Tips for Managing Side Effects
Your healthcare provider will prescribe anti-nauseous drugs that can help fight nausea and vomiting. Likewise, depending on your symptoms, they will recommend medications that keep your digestive system in good shape and prevent other side effects. Here’s what else may work:
- Take ample rest
- Practice meditation, yoga, and exercise daily
- Eat small and frequent meals
- Use high-quality hair care products to keep your scalp moisturized and nourished
- Consider counseling
Conclusion
Chemotherapy has saved the lives of many cancer patients. The disease, which was once considered life-threatening, is now treatable with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be used as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy for the best outcome.
