With modern treatments such as chemotherapy, cancer doesn't have to be the final chapter of a person's life. With every day that passes, cancer researchers get closer to finding the cure that may remove this condition from our vocabulary. Until then, a strong and dedicated treatment plan that involves chemotherapy can offer a new lease on life for a cancer patient.
The Facts
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that's provided to mostly cancer patients in order to help destroy the fast-growing cancer cells that overtake the body. Because cancer cells grow at a faster rate than regular cells found in the human body, chemotherapy offers an option to control cancer from spreading into other parts of the body as well as demolish any existing cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy is given in a variety of forms, including intravenously, single injection into a muscle, in a pill or liquid form, or as a cream rubbed on the skin.
History
The first instance of chemicals being used as a treatment for cancer was in the 1940s. During World War II, the results of exposure to nitrogen mustard (also known as mustard gas) was evaluated. Soldiers exposed to this gas during war were found to have a very low amount of white blood cells. It was later determined that this gas destroyed the white blood cells and may have the same effect on cancerous cells.
After a clinical trial in the 1940s that involved injecting nitrogen mustard into the vein of patients with advanced lymphoma, the results were astonishing. The gas had greatly decreased the amount of cancerous cells and temporarily stalled the development of new cancer cells.
Once it was determined that a chemical could be used to destroy fast-growing cancer cells, researchers began developing new drugs that would provide better, and more permanent, results.
Time Frame
Chemotherapy treatment can be given in different intervals, depending on the recommendations of the physician A cancer patient may receive chemotherapy every day or every month. Each case is evaluated before treatment begins in order for chemotherapy to be customized to suit the health and tolerance of the patient.
The period that a patient is required to undergo chemotherapy treatment depends on the individual case. Just like the intervals that chemotherapy is administered, a patient may undergo one round of chemotherapy or several months worth of treatment. Several facts play a role in determining the length that treatment is administered--including the type of cancer, extent that the cancer has progressed through the body and the overall tolerance to chemotherapy by the patient.
Side Effects
Side effects of chemotherapy include decreased immune system, fatigue, anemia, the ability to bleed easy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss and hair loss.
Considerations
Chemotherapy treatment is often combined with other treatment options such as radiation and surgery. Report any changes in your health to your physician during chemotherapy treatment. A simple cold could turn into a life-threatening condition if not handled correctly while undergoing chemotherapy.
