Chemotherapy, usually known as chemo, is a drug-based approach to treating cancer. Anywhere in the body that has cancer cells is where it seeks to get rid of them. including those that imaging scans have not been able to detect. Chemotherapy either directly kills the cancer cells or stops them from proliferating. Chemotherapy affects the entire body. Likewise known as systemic therapy,
- How does chemotherapy work?
- When is chemotherapy offered?
- How is chemotherapy given?
- Where are we treated during chemotherapy?
- What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
- What is the purpose of regular monitoring of chemotherapy?
CHEMOTHERAPY: HOW DOES IT WORK?
When is chemotherapy offered?
The doctor generally offers chemotherapy in three situations:
before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The purpose of this chemotherapy is to reduce the size of the tumor and thus facilitate the operation. It also aims to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Furthermore, it allows for the rapid assessment of whether chemotherapy drugs are effective against the tumor.
full tumor surgery, i.e., when the surgeon has removed all visible cancer cells. It is then adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy aims to reduce the risk of local or distant recurrence. Chemotherapy then completes the surgery.
to treat metastases, i.e., cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. It is said to be metastatic chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is sometimes used as the only treatment. It is exclusive of chemotherapy. When combined with radiotherapy treatment, it is called radiochemotherapy.
To reduce the risks of metastasis, adjuvant surgery is used.
Although it is not routine, adjuvant chemotherapy is common. When it can lower the danger of metastases developing, it is taken into account.
The surgeon removes as many observable cancer cells as they can during surgery. The second goal of chemotherapy is to eradicate any cancer cells that may still be present, whether or not they are visible, throughout the entire body. Thus, it raises the likelihood of recovery.
What Is The Probability Of Metastasis?
- Depending on the stage of the malignancy, there is a possibility of metastasis. This has to do with:
- The size of the tumor depends on the type of cancer cells, whether or not the blood or lymphatic vessels are invaded, and the presence of malignant cells in the lymph nodes, those tiny swellings dispersed along the lymphatic veins that are crucial in defending the body against infections.
- These characteristics are called risk factors for recurrence.
The decision to offer adjuvant chemotherapy takes into account these risk factors, but also the age of the person treated, their general condition, their opinion, as well as their medical and surgical history.
The doctor will explain the treatment that will be prescribed depending on your situation.
HOW IS CHEMOTHERAPY PRESENTED?
Chemotherapy is often used in addition to surgery (before or after) to improve the chances of recovery. Chemotherapy can also be used alone.
It is most often given by injection. There are several ways to inject this treatment: through a box placed under the skin of the thorax (implantable site), which is connected to a vein by a small tube (catheter), or directly into a vein. An infusion is then installed.
Chemotherapy can also be given by mouth (oral route).
The treatment then takes the form of tablets or capsules.
The treatment is administered over one or more days. We are talking about a course of chemotherapy. The medical team adapts the number of cores and the mode of administration according to each patient. Hospital stays vary. They are not proportional to the severity of the disease.
Medicines are not prepared in advance; this explains the sometimes long wait before their administration.
Where are you treated during chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can be done in a clinic, hospital or
(in conventional hospitalization or day hospitalization) or at home (this is called home hospitalization or HAD).
Most chemotherapy is now done on an outpatient basis; the patient goes home the same evening. also referred to as a day hospital.
What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can cause temporary side effects. They are not systematic and can be moderated.
The importance of these adverse effects is not a sign of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the treatment. Chemotherapy can be effective even if it does not cause side effects.
The undesirable effects are more or less accentuated depending on the treatments used; each chemotherapy drug has specific toxicity. They are directly related.
- the type of drugs administered;
- their doses and their combination;
- the individual reaction of each patient;
- to his general condition.
They vary from one course of chemotherapy to another. Some undesirable effects can be limited, or even avoided, by appropriate care and medication.
Not all of these negative effects manifest at once. The sick individual should seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever of 38°C or higher for 24 hours, a fever of 38.5°C or higher, a temperature below 36.5°C, chills, redness, discharge, pain at the catheter, etc.
Attention: information for all patients receiving chemotherapy based on 5-FU
What Objectives Does Regular Chemotherapy Monitoring Target?
The chemotherapist frequently keeps an eye on the patient during consultations. He ensures that the procedure went off without a hitch, keeps an eye out for even the smallest aberrations, and, if necessary, suggests additional therapies.
A monitoring program is established for the patient after the treatment.
The physician provides personalized monitoring exams for each patient (blood tests, radiological examinations).
The effectiveness of chemotherapy can only be determined by consistent and proper monitoring.
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