Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and multiplying. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered orally, intravenously (into a vein), intramuscularly (into a muscle), or intrathecally (into the cerebrospinal fluid). Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual’s overall health and treatment goals.
Mechanism of Action: Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells but also affects some healthy cells in the body that naturally divide quickly, such as cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. By damaging the DNA or interfering with cell division, chemotherapy drugs can kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and spreading.
Types of Chemotherapy Drugs: There are many different chemotherapy drugs, each with its own mechanism of action and side effects. Chemotherapy drugs can be classified into several categories based on their chemical structure and how they work, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anthracyclines, plant alkaloids, and topoisomerase inhibitors, among others. Combination chemotherapy, which involves using two or more drugs that work in different ways, is often used to treat many types of cancer.
Administration: Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in various ways, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment plan. Some drugs are given intravenously as a slow infusion or injection into a vein, either through a catheter or a needle. Other drugs are taken orally in the form of pills or liquid. Chemotherapy may also be given as an injection into a muscle, under the skin, or directly into a body cavity (such as the abdomen or spinal fluid).
Treatment Schedule: Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with each cycle consisting of a period of treatment followed by a rest period to allow the body to recover from the side effects. The length of each cycle and the total number of cycles may vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the chemotherapy drugs used, and the individual’s response to treatment.
Side Effects: Chemotherapy can cause a wide range of side effects, which can vary depending on the type and dose of chemotherapy drugs used, as well as the individual’s overall health and tolerance to treatment. Common side effects may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Bone marrow suppression (leading to low blood cell counts)
- Increased risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)
- Anemia (due to low red blood cell counts)
- Easy bruising or bleeding (due to low platelet counts)
- Mouth sores (mucositis)
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Changes in taste or smell
Management of Side Effects: Various supportive care measures and medications may be used to help manage the side effects of chemotherapy and improve the individual’s quality of life during treatment. These may include anti-nausea medications (antiemetics), growth factors to stimulate the production of blood cells, pain medications, nutritional support, and psychological support.
Monitoring and Follow-Up: During chemotherapy treatment, individuals are closely monitored for any signs of side effects or complications, and adjustments to the treatment plan may be made as needed. After completing chemotherapy, regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are important to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence and to address any long-term side effects or late effects of treatment