What Chemotherapy Does
Chemotherapy is a type of drug used to treat various forms of cancer. It's often referred to as cytotoxic or antieoplastic therapy. Chemo is different from other forms of cancer treatment such as radiation therapy or surgical removal. Unlike localized therapy, chemo absorbs into the bloodstream and works at fighting cancer cells internally throughout areas of the body. Some medications actually destroy the DNA and their compounds that are used to create cancer cells. There are over 100 different varieties of chemotherapy that are used, based on the type of cancer and the progression of the cells. Examples of these drugs include mitotic inhibitors, anti-tumor antibiotics, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites and alkylating agents. Chemo can be used by itself or may be used in combination with other medications in order to treat cancer at any stage. Once the oncologist makes a diagnosis, he will then do further testing such as PET scans, bone scans, MRI and X-rays to determine the extent of the disease. From there, he decides what treatment will work best for the type of cancer the patient has. Chemotherapy treatment is generally administered intravenously over a course of several hours, or it can be directly inserted via a port that feeds the medicine into the body continuously. Some chemotherapy is available via pill form.
Why Chemotherapy is Needed
Chemotherapy may be needed if the tumor has spread to other organs, lymph nodes, is a Stage 2 or above or is located deep within the tissue. This is to prevent cancer cells from multiplying or occurring within other organs. This is called metastases. The chemotherapy works at attacking cancer cells that are newly formed or may have gone undetected during body scans, blood tests and surgical removal. Not all cancers benefit from chemotherapy. There can be several factors for this--such as the early onset of the disease, whether it's localized and the age and overall health of the patient.
Side Effects of Chemo
Chemotherapy doesn't always target the cancer cells. It can also destroy healthy cells along the way. This can cause some serious side effects that are a definite drawback to taking the drug. Side effects may include: low blood counts (red and white), a weakened or compromised immune system, loss of body hair, nausea, weight loss and extreme fatigue. Some people taking chemotherapy are also at a greater risk for developing infections and have trouble fighting them off due to the low white blood cell count. Cancer patients may also develop skin infections such as cellulitus or localized infections around the chemo port area or surgical insicion. Extra precautions and proper hand washing techniques should be utilized to avoid these issues.
