Chemotherapy, a treatment method that utilizes drugs to destroy cancer cells, holds a pivotal position in the field of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered through a variety of routes, including oral intake, topical application on the skin, intravenous injection, and other means. Healthcare professionals often recommend chemotherapy for treating cancers in various parts of the body, aiming to achieve a cure or alleviate the condition. However, since chemotherapy drugs act systemically, while attacking cancer cells, they often affect cells in other parts of the body, making side effects relatively common.
Oncologists, the core experts in cancer treatment, will meticulously formulate specific chemotherapy drug regimens based on the patient's cancer type and overall health condition. The actual implementation of the treatment is usually carried out by oncology nurses, who, with their professional knowledge and skills, ensure the smooth progress of the chemotherapy process.
The central goal of chemotherapy is to slow down or halt the growth of cancer cells. Cancer cells are characterized by their rapid growth and division, and chemotherapy precisely targets this characteristic. Additionally, chemotherapy can help reduce the size of cancerous tumors, effectively alleviating symptoms such as pain.
Based on the type and severity of cancer, chemotherapy mainly has the following three objectives:
Cure: If chemotherapy can successfully eliminate all cancer cells in the body, a cure is achieved. At the same time, chemotherapy can also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, providing long - term health protection for patients.
Control: When a complete cure is not possible, chemotherapy can be used to control the progression of the disease, shrink the tumor, and prevent further spread of cancer cells. In such cases, although the cancer does not completely disappear, the patient's symptoms can be better managed, and the quality of life can be improved.
Comfort: In the advanced stages of cancer, the main role of chemotherapy is to relieve symptoms. At this time, the goal of chemotherapy is to improve the patient's quality of life as much as possible and reduce the patient's suffering.
There are various types of chemotherapy, and each type combats cancer in a different way. Many cancer patients receive a combination of multiple types of chemotherapy during their treatment. Chemotherapy types are usually classified according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure. Most chemotherapy drugs work by altering the DNA within cancer cells.
When formulating a chemotherapy treatment plan, oncologists will take into account many factors, such as the patient's cancer type, severity, extent of spread, age, and overall health condition.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a crucial molecule within cells that carries genetic information. The normal functioning and reproduction of cells are inseparable from it.
Alkylating agents, as a type of chemotherapy drug, work by preventing the proliferation of cancer cells. These drugs damage the DNA of cancer cells, making it impossible for them to reproduce, thus effectively preventing the spread of cancer in the body.
Most alkylating agents can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, sarcoma, as well as brain, lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. However, alkylating agents may damage the cells in the bone marrow and increase the risk of developing cancer over time.
Nitrosoureas are a special type of alkylating agents that can cross the blood - brain barrier and reach the brain, so they are often used to treat brain cancer. Common alkylating agents include Temozolomide, Busulfan, and Cyclophosphamide.
Antimetabolites mainly work by interfering with the DNA and RNA of cancer cells, thereby preventing the regeneration and proliferation of cancer cells.
This type of drug is commonly used to treat leukemia, as well as cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (the passage from the mouth to the anus responsible for digestion), breast, and ovaries. Common antimetabolites include 5 - FU (5 - fluorouracil), 6 - MP (6 - mercaptopurine), Xeloda (Capecitabine), and Gemcitabine.
Antitumor antibiotics treat cancer by altering the DNA within cancer cells. Specifically, they interfere with the enzymes (proteins) required for DNA replication, thus preventing the reproduction of cancer cells.
Antitumor antibiotics can be used to treat a variety of cancers. However, it should be noted that high - dose use of these drugs may cause long - term damage to the heart. Therefore, healthcare providers will closely monitor the patient's heart condition during the use of these drugs. Common antitumor antibiotics include Cosmegen (Actinomycin), Blenoxane (Bleomycin), Cerubidine (Daunorubicin), and Adriamycin PFS (Doxorubicin).
Topoisomerase inhibitors belong to the category of plant alkaloids (drugs derived from plants) and can interfere with the DNA of cancer cells. These drugs work by altering topoisomerase, which is essential for the separation of DNA strands so that they can be replicated.
Topoisomerase inhibitors can be used to treat leukemia, as well as lung, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers. However, long - term use may increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Common topoisomerase inhibitors include Etoposide, Camptosar (Irinotecan), and Hycamtin (Topotecan).
Similar to topoisomerase inhibitors, mitotic inhibitors are also plant alkaloids, and their function is to prevent cancer cells from dividing into new cells. Healthcare providers may recommend this therapy for treating myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, as well as breast and lung cancers.
Common mitotic inhibitors include Taxotere (Docetaxel), Halaven (Eribulin), Ixempra (Ixabepilone), Taxol (Paclitaxel), and Vinblastine. It should be noted that mitotic inhibitors may cause painful nerve damage.
Corticosteroids are drugs originally used to reduce inflammation (swelling) in the body. When applied to cancer treatment, they are also regarded as chemotherapy drugs. Commonly used corticosteroids include Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, and Dexamethasone.
Patients can receive chemotherapy drugs in a variety of ways, mainly including:
Oral Administration: Taking chemotherapy drugs by mouth.
Intravenous Injection (IV): Injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the vein, which is a relatively common method of administration.
Injection: Injecting the drug into muscle or adipose tissue.
Intrathecal Injection: Injecting the drug into the space between the tissue layers covering the brain and spinal cord.
Intraperitoneal (IP) Injection: Injecting the drug into the abdominal cavity (the space containing the intestines, stomach, and liver).
Intra - arterial (IA) Injection: Introducing the drug into an artery or blood vessel.
Topical Application: Applying the drug to the skin.
Healthcare providers usually administer chemotherapy to patients regularly, which is called rounds or cycles. Patients may receive treatment regularly for a period of time (days or weeks), followed by a rest period. This rest period is crucial as it allows the patient's healthy cells to recover from the effects of chemotherapy and gives the body sufficient rest.
Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with other cancer treatment methods. For example, if a patient needs to undergo surgery to remove a tumor, the nursing team may recommend chemotherapy before or after the surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells, improving the effectiveness of surgical treatment.
Chemotherapy appointments require patients to carry out a series of preparatory work. If receiving chemotherapy in a hospital or outpatient clinic, the appointment may last for several hours.
Before the first chemotherapy appointment, the patient will meet with the oncologist to discuss a personalized care plan. Healthcare providers will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, blood tests, and ask the patient in detail about any medications or supplements they are taking to ensure the safety and effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Patients should actively ask the oncologist if there are any other medical procedures needed before starting chemotherapy. For example, the nursing team may recommend a dental examination and teeth cleaning before starting cancer treatment. This is because bacteria in the mouth may enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, and chemotherapy weakens the body's ability to resist infections. Therefore, it is essential to complete these examinations before starting chemotherapy.
In addition, since some forms of chemotherapy may cause long - term damage to the heart, the oncologist may recommend that the patient visit a cardiologist (a doctor specializing in the heart). Finally, chemotherapy may affect the patient's fertility. If the patient hopes to have children in the future, they should consult the oncologist in a timely manner about options for preserving fertility.
On the day of chemotherapy, patients can consider inviting a friend or family member to accompany them. Having someone by their side can make patients feel better during the long appointment. However, it is necessary to ask the medical institution in advance about any visitor restrictions.
It should be noted that patients may experience side effects after chemotherapy, and one of the most common side effects is fatigue. After chemotherapy, patients may feel extremely tired and unable to drive home on their own. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange transportation in advance. If necessary, having someone help with household chores (such as cleaning and food preparation) and taking care of children can also be of great help to patients.
Before going to the treatment site, patients can have a light meal first. Since the appointment is long, patients need to eat something to replenish energy. However, considering that chemotherapy usually causes nausea, patients can choose light and easily digestible foods such as rice or toast.
When patients arrive at the hospital or clinic for treatment, they need to register at the front desk. Subsequently, the medical team will check the patient's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, as well as height and weight.
Most patients will sit in a reclining chair during chemotherapy. The medical staff will place an intravenous injection device on the patient's arm for blood drawing, chemotherapy drug injection, and infusion. Before injecting the drug, the medical staff will double - check the patient's name, date of birth, drug, and dosage to ensure accuracy. If the patient needs to take some medications before chemotherapy, such as medications to prevent allergic reactions, the medical staff will provide them immediately.
After chemotherapy starts, the whole process may take several hours. During the appointment, the nursing team will closely monitor whether the patient shows any signs of drug reactions and continuously check the patient's vital signs.
To pass the time, patients can consider engaging in some relaxing activities, such as reading, listening to podcasts, audiobooks, knitting, or playing crossword puzzles. Some people may feel cold during chemotherapy, so it is recommended that patients bring several layers of clothes and a blanket.
Patients can ask the oncologist whether they can eat during the appointment and bring a large bottle of water and some light snacks. After the appointment, patients should continue to eat light foods with no strong smell. Cold or cool foods usually have less smell, while hot foods with a strong smell may cause nausea.
After chemotherapy, patients need to pay attention to some important preventive measures. If the patient receives treatment in an outpatient clinic, they can go home after the appointment.
It takes about 48 to 72 hours for the patient's body to break down the chemotherapy drugs. In the first few days after the appointment, any body fluids (such as urine and feces) of the patient will contain chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, if the patient lives with others, it is necessary to take measures to protect family members from exposure to chemotherapy drugs.
Specifically, patients can protect others in the following ways: If there is an extra bathroom at home, the patient can consider using a bathroom away from family members. After each use of the toilet, be sure to flush it twice and close the lid. Also, remember to wash hands frequently throughout the day. If someone helps the patient during the day, they should be asked to wear two pairs of disposable gloves for protection.
In the days after chemotherapy, patients may feel extremely tired. Patients can do some gentle exercises as much as possible, but avoid overexertion. It is crucial to rest and engage in activities that make them feel comfortable during the treatment period.
Although chemotherapy plays an important role in cancer treatment, it is accompanied by various risks and potential side effects. The principle of chemotherapy is to target cells that divide and multiply rapidly, which helps to attack cancer cells in the body. Unfortunately, some healthy cells in the body also have the characteristic of rapid division, such as cells in the skin, hair, mouth, and digestive tract. Once chemotherapy drugs attack these cells, serious side effects may occur.
Common side effects of chemotherapy include:
Fatigue: Patients will feel extremely tired and weak.
Oral Ulcers: Ulcers appear on the oral mucosa, affecting eating and speaking.
Nausea and Vomiting: This is a common gastrointestinal reaction of chemotherapy.
Hair Loss: Hair may fall out to varying degrees.
Bruising and Bleeding: Since chemotherapy may affect the blood system, leading to abnormal blood coagulation, bruising and bleeding are likely to occur.
Infection: Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections.
Constipation and Diarrhea: It affects the normal function of the intestines, resulting in abnormal bowel movements.
Emotional Changes: Patients may experience mood swings, such as anxiety and depression.
In addition, chemotherapy may cause long - term damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves, and reproductive system.
Given that chemotherapy may cause serious health problems, patients need to closely monitor whether new symptoms appear and inform the oncologist in a timely manner. If a patient experiences any of the following symptoms after receiving chemotherapy, they should call the doctor immediately:
Fever over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit: This may indicate an infection.
Chills: It may also be related to an infection.
New bleeding or bruising: Be vigilant about abnormal blood system conditions.
Allergic Reactions: Such as rashes, swelling, itching, difficulty swallowing or breathing, which is a relatively urgent situation.
New - onset Pain: It may suggest that new problems have occurred in the body.
Nausea and Vomiting: If the symptoms are severe and affect the quality of life, they need to be treated promptly.
Blood in Stool or Urine: It may indicate problems in the digestive or urinary system.
Shortness of Breath: It may be related to cardiopulmonary function and requires attention.
Receiving chemotherapy for the first time can bring significant psychological stress to patients. Adequate preparation can help relieve some of the anxiety. It should be noted that it is normal for patients to experience various emotions when starting cancer treatment, from the hope of successful treatment to concerns about the future.
The following are some tips to keep in mind when preparing for chemotherapy:
Location: Chemotherapy can be carried out in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or at home. Patients should consult the medical team about the specific appointment location.
Clothing: When making an appointment, patients should wear loose and comfortable clothes. If the patient has a catheter or port, ensure that medical staff can easily access it. Wearing a button - down shirt is more convenient. Since patients may feel cold during the appointment, it is recommended to bring multiple layers of clothes, a hat, gloves, and a blanket.
Food and Drinks: Patients should ask the oncologist about dietary precautions before and during chemotherapy. Prepare some light foods that usually do not cause stomach discomfort and bring a large water bottle to the appointment.
Medications: Chemotherapy may interact with a variety of medications, vitamins, and supplements. When visiting the doctor, patients should bring a list of all the medications they are currently taking and consult the oncologist about which medications need to be discontinued during chemotherapy.
Items to Bring: When going to a chemotherapy appointment, patients should bring all the documents given by the oncologist, as well as their insurance card and ID. Since these appointments usually take several hours, patients can also bring some items for quiet activities, such as books, headphones, etc.
Emotional Support: Many outpatient institutions allow patients to bring a friend or family member to the appointment. However, due to possible visitor restrictions during the COVID - 19 pandemic, patients must call in advance to inquire about the visitor policy before the appointment.
Costs and Insurance: The cost of chemotherapy varies depending on the specific drugs used and the insurance coverage. Before the first appointment, patients should call their insurance company and the hospital billing department to determine whether they need to pay a copayment at the appointment.
Returning to Work: Chemotherapy affects everyone differently, and serious side effects may occur during the treatment process. If possible, patients can discuss adjusting their work schedule with their employer. In the United States, many employers are legally required to change the work schedule according to the patient's health needs.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses drugs to slow down and stop the growth of cancer cells. It is one of the common cancer treatment methods and is sometimes used in combination with other treatment methods such as radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Chemotherapy is usually prescribed by an oncologist, and during chemotherapy, an oncology nurse is responsible for implementing the treatment. The location of chemotherapy can be a hospital, outpatient clinic, or home.
There are various types of chemotherapy. When recommending a chemotherapy plan, oncologists will consider factors such as the patient's cancer type, severity, and overall health condition. Before starting treatment, patients should communicate fully with their doctors and discuss any concerns or questions. The fight against cancer is full of challenges and fears. Obtaining comprehensive information and sufficient support can help patients go through this difficult journey as comfortably as possible.
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