What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, often simply called chemo, is one of the oldest and most widely used cancer treatments. It involves using powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells. Unfortunately, some healthy cells—like those in the hair, gut, and bone marrow—also divide quickly, which is why chemotherapy can cause side effects.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Chemo drugs target cells at different stages of their life cycle to stop their growth or kill them outright. The treatment can be given in different ways:
- Intravenous (IV): The most common method, where drugs are administered through a vein.
- Oral Chemotherapy: Pills or capsules that patients can take at home.
- Injectable Chemotherapy: Given as an injection in muscles or under the skin.
- Regional Chemotherapy: Delivered directly to a specific area, such as the bladder or liver.
When is Chemotherapy Used?
- Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant Therapy): To shrink the tumor and make surgery more effective.
- After Surgery (Adjuvant Therapy): To kill remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
- As Primary Treatment: For blood cancers like leukemia, where surgery is not an option.
In Combination Therapy: Used alongside radiation or targeted therapy for better results.
Common Side Effects:
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased infection risk (low white blood cell count)
Modern chemo regimens have improved, with better supportive medications to reduce side effects, making treatment more manageable for patients.
💡 Tip: Eating small, protein-rich meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest can help manage side effects better.