Chemotherapy

How Long Does Chemotherapy take?

The main reason why chemotherapy is given is to cure cancer, control it or to relieve pain. The duration and frequency of chemotherapy depend on the following points:

• Type of cancer
• Stage of cancer
• Type of chemotherapy
• Depending on how the body responds to chemotherapy

Generally, a patient may need 4 – 8 cycles of chemotherapy to treat cancer.

How is Chemotherapy Administered?

Chemotherapy can be given in different ways depending upon the type and stage of cancer.

1. Chemotherapy pills – It is a drug which is given in the form of tablets, capsules or liquid.
2. Intravenous chemotherapy (IV) – A person can take it as an injection or as a drip.
3. Chemotherapy Creams – Some chemotherapy drugs are available in the form of creams. Generally, it is used for skin cancer.
4. Intraperitoneal (IP) – chemotherapy is transferred to the peritoneal cavity which includes the organs like liver, stomach, intestine and ovaries. This is done with the help of a catheter and a port. Usually, this type of treatment is used for treating ovarian cancer. 
5. Chemotherapy Injection – Chemotherapy is delivered in the form of a shot. It includes the area of the fatty part of the body like the belly, arm or leg.
6. Intra-arterial (IA) – The chemotherapy drugs are given through the microcatheter which is injected into the artery that supplies blood to the tumor. Mostly it is placed in the thigh. This type of chemotherapy is used for liver cancer.
7. Intrathecal – Intrathecal chemotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer which exists in the central nervous system. Generally, this type of treatment is used for treating different types of leukemia and lymphoma and is also used in treating some types of brain tumors. 

What are the Chemotherapy Side effects?

Chemotherapy is used to kill the cancer cells but it also damages the healthy cells causing the following effects:

• Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy – Tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, pain from nerve damage, lymphedema, skin changes and fertility changes.
• Anemia – Anemia (a low red blood cell count) can cause excessive tiredness, pale skin color, shortness of breath, irritability, decreased attention span, headaches, and dizziness.
• Bruising and Bleeding – Destruction of blood platelets will result in bruising and bleeding known as thrombocytopenia and is caused by a lack of sufficient platelets to form a clot and stop bleeding.
• Diarrhoea or Constipation – The intestines can be affected by chemotherapy. Proper diet and nutrition can help avoid or reduce these symptoms.
• Fever – Fever could be a sign of serious infection. Chemotherapy often destroys the white blood cells temporarily, which are the body’s primary defense against infection. 
• Hair Loss – Some chemotherapy causes hair loss or thinning of the hair. Hair will always grow back when treatment is finished, but it may have a different color or texture.
• Mouth and Throat Sores – Rapidly growing cells lining the mouth, throat and digestive tract can be temporarily destroyed by chemotherapy medicines. This causes sores called mucositis (varies from minor to severe pain). With time, healthy cells will grow back and the sores will heal.
• Nausea and Vomiting – Chemotherapy can cause nausea and vomiting by affecting both the gastrointestinal tract and the message center in the brain responsible for nausea and vomiting. Medicines may be given prior to and during chemotherapy treatments that will help to minimize or prevent these symptoms.
• Organ Damage – Chemotherapy drugs could affect organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain, causing temporary or permanent damage. Some drugs may also affect hearing.