The Role of Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy, a medication or combination of drugs, is used to combat cancer cells. Its application varies based on cancer stage, type, and aggressiveness. Here are its common applications:
- Adjuvant Therapy: Employed after surgery to lower cancer recurrence risk.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors for better surgical outcomes.
- Concurrent Therapy: Combined with other treatments like radiation, beneficial for aggressive cancer types.
- Palliative Chemotherapy: Used to relieve symptoms and improve life quality in advanced cancer.
Types of Chemotherapy Drugs
Several types of chemotherapy drugs are utilized:
- Alkylating Agents: Damages cancer cell DNA but can affect bone marrow and may lead to leukemia.
- Antimetabolites: Damages cells preparing to multiply, commonly used for various cancers.
- Antitumor Antibiotics: Prevents cancer cell growth but high doses may affect the heart.
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Blocks enzymes vital for cancer cell reproduction.
- Mitotic Inhibitors: Derives from natural substances, halts cell division and affects both cancer and healthy cells.
Administration of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is delivered through various methods:
- Topical Application: Applied via creams onto the skin.
- Oral Consumption: Swallowed in pill or liquid form.
- Injection: Delivered directly into muscle or beneath the skin.
- Intravenous (IV) or Intra-arterial (IA): Administered directly into the veins or arteries.
- Intraperitoneal (IP): Delivered into the peritoneal cavity.
- Intrathecal (IT) Chemotherapy: Injection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Oral Consumption: Swallowed in pill or liquid form.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy affects rapidly growing cells, impacting both cancer and normal cells. This often leads to side effects, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation)
- Fatigue, anemia
- Hair loss, skin sensitivity, and muscle weakness
- Increased risk of infection and bruising
- Mouth sores, changes in appetite, and thinking/memory changes
While most side effects are temporary and treatable, some can have long-term or late-onset effects. The risks of these side effects are outweighed by chemotherapy’s benefits.
For any concerns or specific queries regarding chemotherapy and its side effects, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is essential.