Chemotherapy: What You Need to Know
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, stop their growth, or prevent them from spreading. It is commonly used to treat various types of cancer and may be combined with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells. They work by:
- Destroying cancer cells at different stages of their life cycle.
- Preventing cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Shrinking tumors before surgery or radiation therapy.
- Killing remaining cancer cells after surgery to prevent recurrence.
Types of Chemotherapy
- Curative Chemotherapy – Aims to eliminate cancer completely.
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy – Given after surgery or radiation to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy – Administered before surgery to shrink tumors for easier removal.
- Palliative Chemotherapy – Helps relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer cases.
How is Chemotherapy Given?
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion – The most common method, where drugs are delivered through a vein.
- Oral Chemotherapy – Pills or capsules taken at home.
- Injection – Directly into muscles, veins, or under the skin.
- Intrathecal Chemotherapy – Delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid for brain or spinal cord cancers.
- Topical Chemotherapy – Applied as a cream for certain skin cancers.
What to Expect During Chemotherapy?
- A treatment plan will be created based on your cancer type and stage.
- Sessions may occur daily, weekly, or monthly, with rest periods in between.
- Monitoring through blood tests and scans to assess effectiveness.
- Side effects management with medications and lifestyle adjustments.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Since chemotherapy affects both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells, it may cause:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Hair loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low blood cell counts (leading to infection risk, anemia, or bleeding).
- Mouth sores.
- Changes in skin and nails.
Not everyone experiences all side effects, and many can be managed with proper medical care.
Recovery and Life After Chemotherapy
- Regular follow-ups to monitor progress.
- Nutritional support to rebuild strength.
- Exercise and physiotherapy for regaining energy.
- Emotional and psychological support through counseling or support groups.
Why Choose Delhi Cancer Centre for Chemotherapy?
Expert Oncologists – A dedicated team specializing in chemotherapy treatments tailored to each patient.
Advanced Treatment Protocols – Access to the latest chemotherapy drugs and personalized treatment plans.
Comprehensive Cancer Care – A multidisciplinary approach integrating chemotherapy with surgery, radiation, and targeted therapy.
State-of-the-Art Facility – Equipped with advanced infusion centers and comfortable patient care services.
Compassionate Support – Holistic patient care, including nutritional guidance, pain management, and emotional counseling.
At Delhi Cancer Centre, we are committed to providing safe and effective chemotherapy treatments with a patient-first approach. Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options.