Chemotherapy

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body, making chemotherapy a systemic treatment. It is one of the most common and effective ways to treat cancer.

How Does Chemotherapy work?

Cancer cells grow and divide much faster than normal cells. Chemotherapy targets these fast-growing cells, interfering with their ability to divide and multiply and in such a way killing the cancer cells. While it also affects some normal cells that grow quickly, such as those in the hair, skin, and digestive tract, these normal cells usually recover after treatment is finished.

How is Chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways:

Intravenous (IV) Infusion: The most common method, where the drugs are given directly into a vein through an IV line or PORT (A chemotherapy port is a small medical device implanted under the skin, usually in the chest. It connects to a vein, making it easier for doctors to give chemotherapy drugs and take blood samples without repeatedly using needles.) The port reduces discomfort and makes treatments more convenient. The infusion can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on the drugs used.
Oral Chemotherapy: Some chemotherapy drugs can be taken by mouth in the form of pills or capsules.
Injection: The drugs are injected into a muscle, under the skin, or directly into the tumour.
Topical: For some skin cancers, chemotherapy drugs can be applied directly to the skin as a cream.
Intrathecal: The drugs are injected into the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

The Chemotherapy Process:

Planning: Your doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. This plan includes the type of drugs, dosage, and schedule.
Cycles: Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest. This helps your body recover between treatments.
Monitoring: Throughout your treatment, your healthcare team will monitor your progress with regular check-ups and tests to see how well the chemotherapy is working and to manage any side effects.

Side Effects:

Chemotherapy can cause side effects because it affects both cancer cells and some normal cells. Common side effects include:

Fatigue: Feeling very tired is common, but it usually improves after treatment ends.
Nausea and Vomiting: Medications can help control these symptoms.
Hair Loss: Hair usually grows back after treatment is completed.
Mouth Sores: The lining of the mouth can be affected, leading to sores.
Increased Risk of Infection: Chemotherapy can lower your white blood cell count, making it easier to get infections.

Not everyone experiences all these side effects, and there are effective ways to manage them. Your healthcare team will work closely with you to minimize discomfort and maintain your quality of life during treatment.

Benefits of Chemotherapy:

Kills Cancer Cells: Effective in shrinking tumours and killing cancer cells throughout the body.
Prevents Spread: Can prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Combination Therapy: Often used alongside other treatments like surgery or radiation to increase effectiveness.

Is Chemotherapy Right for You?

Your doctor will consider the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health to determine if chemotherapy is an appropriate treatment for you. They will discuss the potential benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision.

At Mountain View Oncology, we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized care. If you have any questions about chemotherapy and how it might help you, our team is here to provide answers and support.