Health & Life

Chemotherapy and Its Pros and Cons: What is it All About?

Oncology has witnessed a remarkable evolution with chemotherapy, a modern and widely-used treatment for cancer. Today's article delves into the intricacies of this groundbreaking therapy, offering valuable insights into its role in cancer care.

Administrator

5 July, 2024

Chemotherapy is a popular and effective treatment method for cancer patients. Let’s explore this method in detail in the following article.

1 What is Chemotherapy?

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment method that involves administering cancer-fighting drugs into the body. This approach utilizes specific medications to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth and division within the body.

2 Benefits of Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Benefits of Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Trung (Tam Anh General Hospital), chemotherapy for cancer treatment offers the following advantages:

Prevents the division and spread of cancer cells within the body while destroying them.
Directly targets cancer cells, helping to reduce tumor size and supporting other treatment methods.
Reduces pain and discomfort compared to conventional methods, thereby improving quality of life.

3 When is Chemotherapy Indicated?

When is Chemotherapy Indicated?

Chemotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other methods to comprehensively eradicate cancer cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy may be employed to shrink tumors before surgery or radiation therapy, or to eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Chemotherapy for Cancer

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chemotherapy for Cancer

Advantages:

Chemotherapy can destroy and slow the growth of tumors, preventing them from dividing and invading other parts of the body.

Disadvantages:

Since chemotherapy affects all cells, it may impact healthy cells in addition to cancer cells.

5 Common Chemotherapy Methods for Cancer Treatment

Common Chemotherapy Methods for Cancer Treatment

Oral Chemotherapy

Oral chemotherapy involves taking medications in the form of pills, liquids, or capsules.

Subcutaneous Chemotherapy

Subcutaneous chemotherapy delivers liquid medications via injection just below the skin. This method is suitable for patients with low platelet counts as it minimizes bleeding compared to intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.

Intravenous Chemotherapy

Intravenous chemotherapy involves injecting appropriate medications into the patient’s vein to achieve the highest effectiveness in destroying and treating cancer cells.

Intramuscular Chemotherapy

In this method, doctors use a large needle to inject the medication deep into the muscle, allowing for deeper absorption. However, the absorption rate is slower compared to intravenous or intra-arterial injections.

Intra-arterial Chemotherapy

Intra-arterial chemotherapy delivers drugs directly to tumors through the arteries, which are the main blood vessels supplying blood from the heart to the body.

6 Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Reduction in Red Blood Cells, Platelets, and White Blood Cells: One common side effect of chemotherapy is the impact on healthy cells. As a result, the counts of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells can decrease significantly.

Hair Loss and Skin Darkening: Skin and hair are also susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy. Patients may experience hair loss and skin darkening.

Loss of Appetite, Nausea, and Vomiting: Chemotherapy patients may experience loss of appetite, nausea, and discomfort. It is recommended to divide daily meals into smaller portions and eat only enough to feel satisfied.

Diarrhea: In addition to loss of appetite and nausea, patients may also experience diarrhea and dehydration. It is important to consume mild and nutritious foods such as porridge or soup.

Mouth Ulcers: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to protect against mouth ulcers and infections caused by the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

7 Important Considerations During Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Important Considerations During Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

When undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, keep the following in mind for optimal results:

Patients should strictly adhere to the chemotherapy plan and protocol prescribed by their doctor. It is important to schedule rest and self-care appropriately to ensure a swift and effective treatment process.

During treatment, patients should consult their doctor to determine an appropriate and nutritious diet that helps mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy.

8 Related Questions

How long does a chemotherapy regimen for cancer last? Is it painful?

According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Trung, a chemotherapy regimen for cancer typically involves cycles of treatment and rest periods to allow the body to regenerate healthy cells. As chemotherapy drugs act on the body, patients may experience fatigue and pain during the initial stages.

What should I prepare before undergoing chemotherapy?

Before starting a chemotherapy regimen, cancer patients should consider the following:

Strictly adhere to the treatment plan and timeline provided by the doctor. This is important to enable the body to produce new cells to replace those damaged by the chemotherapy drugs.
Consult the doctor about any dietary restrictions to ensure a suitable and nutritious diet during treatment.

How to care for a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy?

Provide emotional support and encouragement to help them stay motivated in their fight against the disease.
As chemotherapy can cause fatigue and loss of appetite, offer a diverse range of meals to stimulate their appetite.
Maintain a clean and well-ventilated environment to reduce the risk of infection for the patient.

This article has provided comprehensive information about chemotherapy as an effective cancer treatment method. While chemotherapy is a powerful tool, it is important to strictly follow the prescribed procedures and protocols to achieve the best outcomes.

Source: tamanhhospital.vn

Frequently asked questions

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered through a vein, taken orally, or delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach and destroy cancer cells, including those that have spread to distant parts of the body.

Chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for cancer, especially when used in combination with other therapies like surgery or radiation. It can shrink tumors, eliminate cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, and relieve symptoms by reducing the pressure or blockage caused by tumors.

Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, increased risk of infection, easy bruising or bleeding, and mouth sores. More serious but less common side effects may include damage to the heart, kidneys, or reproductive organs, as well as nerve damage.

Chemotherapy is typically given in cycles, with each period of treatment followed by a recovery period. The drugs may be given daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the specific drugs and the type of cancer being treated. Treatment can last for a few months to a year or longer.

Yes, there are alternative treatments to chemotherapy, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. These treatments work differently and may have different side effects. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.