Chemotherapy

lymphoma chemotherapy

Last Updated September 19th, 2023

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells so that they can no longer divide or grow.  

 

In a healthy person, human cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled manner. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it means your cell reproduction is no longer under control. 

 

Chemotherapy drugs stop the uncontrollable reproduction and division of cancer cells. Different cancer drugs work differently.  

 

Some cancer drugs target specific parts of cancer cells. Other drugs stop the continuous division of cells across your body.  

 

Your doctor (oncologist) may administer chemotherapy treatment as a single dose. He or she may also prescribe several chemotherapy drugs to treat cancerous cells.   

 

Chemotherapy can also be used alongside other cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery.

Why is chemotherapy important?

Chemotherapy treatment can be used in one of the following ways:

  • As the only form of cancer treatment- Your healthcare provider can elect to use chemotherapy alone as a treatment for cancer without relying on any other treatment
  • As an adjuvant therapy- Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove cancerous cells and later use chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
  • As a neo-adjuvant therapy- Your oncologist may rely on chemotherapy to shrink a large tumor. It allows for the use of surgery, radiation, or other forms of treatment.
  • To relieve cancer symptoms- When chemotherapy kills cancerous cells, this eases the signs and symptoms associated with the disease. This is palliative chemotherapy.

Types of cancer treated by chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is effective in treating various forms of cancer. These include:

Primary cancer

This is cancer that grows in the area where it started and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Metastatic cancer

This is cancer that has spread from one organ or region to other organs or parts of the body.

lymphoma chemotherapyChemotherapy drugs are also effective in treating other conditions like:

Immune system disorders – People with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus present with an overactive immune system.

Chemotherapy drugs, if administered at a lower dose, have proven useful in controlling the immune system in people with such conditions.

Bone marrow disease – Patients suffering from bone marrow disease usually need to undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Chemotherapy drugs are effective in preparing you for such kind of treatment.

The choice of chemotherapy is determined by:

  • The extent to which the cancer has advanced
  • Where the cancer is located
  • Patient’s treatment goals and preferences
  • Past treatments for cancer
  • Patient’s overall health
  • Age
  • Body weight
  • Any preexisting medical conditions

Explore with your oncologists the various treatment alternatives available to you and make the right decision.

Types of chemotherapy  

The main types of chemotherapy include: 

 

Anti-tumor antibiotics – These drugs work by interfering with reproduction.  

 

Alkylating agents – These drugs target the cell’s DNA. They kill cells at various phases of their life cycle. 

 

Plant alkaloids – These work by hindering cell growth and division. 

 

Antimetabolites – These chemotherapy drugs imitate proteins necessary for the survival of cells. Once the cells consume antimetabolites, they starve.  

 

Your doctor can use chemotherapy alongside other medication, such as immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies. 

 

Your oncologist will recommend the most suitable combination of chemotherapy for your condition.  

How do I prepare for thermotherapy treatment?

lymphoma chemotherapyYour oncologist will order various blood tests to determine your overall health. The results of such tests will also enable your oncologist to decide if you can handle the side effects of chemotherapy.

Your oncologist will order a complete blood count. The test involves checking your red blood cells, platelet, and white blood cell count.

In case of low counts, your doctor may suggest postponing chemotherapy until you reach acceptable levels.

You should also be actively involved in preparing for chemotherapy treatment. Be informed about the treatment.

This will enable you to prepare effectively for the likely side effects and benefits that come with this type of treatment.

Your doctor will assist with useful resources like support groups and online sources to increase your knowledge of the treatment.

Plan for the likely side effects of chemotherapy. For instance, in case chemotherapy may cause hair loss, make arrangements to acquire a wig.

In case chemotherapy results in skin sensitivity or changes, your doctor can recommend skin care products with mild ingredients.

Arrange an appointment with your dentist before chemotherapy as the treatment can interfere with your taste buds or cause mouth sores.

Your dentist ensures you do not have any infection and that your teeth are healthy before commencing with chemotherapy.

Make sure your health insurance caters to chemotherapy treatment as it will take a heavy burden off your shoulders.

Inform your employer of your chemotherapy treatment.

You may have to take time off for this treatment. Liaise with your oncologist to establish if the treatment shall interfere with your work.

Plan for your treatment by establishing a treatment routine. With the help of your oncologist.

In case the treatment takes long, you may consider carrying a book to read during the sessions. Alternatively, you can carry a packed lunch.

If chemotherapy is to be administered intravenously, you will have a device or catheter surgically inserted beforehand.

The catheter is implanted in your chest where a large vein is located. This device will assist with administering the chemotherapy drugs.

Work closely with your chemotherapy nurses or oncologist on how best to prepare for your first treatment.

You will need to be fully rested for your first sessions. Consider having a light meal to counter nausea brought about by chemotherapy drugs.

Consider tagging your spouse, friend, or family member along for chemotherapy. You might feel sleepy after the chemotherapy treatment and it can affect your driving.

During treatment

Work closely with your oncologist to establish the most suitable form of treatment that works for you.

There are various ways of administering chemotherapy treatment:

  • Pills – Certain chemotherapy drugs come as capsules or pills
  • Infusions – This is the most common form of administering chemotherapy drugs. Infusions are administered intravenously
  • Creams – Chemotherapy creams or gels are popular with certain forms of skin cancer as they have proven effective in treating such cancers
  • Shots – This involves administering chemotherapy drugs using an injection

Certain forms of cancer may not be effectively treated using systemic chemotherapy. For such types of cancer, your oncologist may recommend the following treatments:

Intracavitary chemotherapy: This type of chemotherapy is directed at a specific body cavity like the belly or bladder.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy – This chemotherapy is directed at the one artery that the tumor relies on for blood supply

Intrathecal chemotherapy – This drug is directed at the region between your spinal cord and brain.

Chemotherapy treatment can be administered in your doctor’s office, at home, or in an infusion center.

Duration of chemotherapy

How long your chemotherapy treatment lasts will depend on the form of chemotherapy treatment being administered.

A session may be of only a few minutes. Other sessions last several hours.

Some patients require continuous infusion. It might take several days.

It can start at the hospital and be completed at home. Most cancer patients require several rounds of chemotherapy.

A session can take between a few days and several weeks. You will be given time off so that your body can recover after the treatment.

Once your oncologist has established you can withstand another round of chemotherapy, they will initiate it in a similar pattern to the first one.

A patient can receive chemotherapy treatment daily, once per week, or on a monthly basis.

Benefits of chemotherapy treatment 

 

Chemotherapy treatment holds back cancer or shrinks it as this will alleviate the symptoms. 

 

Chemotherapy promotes in shrinkage of cancer cells. It allows for other treatments to remove cancer, such as surgery. 

 

Chemotherapy treatment following surgery minimizes the chance of your cancer coming back. 

 

It’s reassuring to undergo regular tests and checkups with your oncologist.    

Side effects

Chemotherapy treatment may manifest in mild or severe side effects, depending on the form and scope of treatment.

For some people, the side effects are multiple and severe. Others experience fewer side effects.

Some of the adverse side effects of chemotherapy include:

  • Fatigue – You will experience fatigue from time to time. It happens especially after engaging in certain tasks. Liaise with your oncologist to identify the activities to engage in and when you need to rest to ease fatigue.
  • Nausea and vomiting – Your oncologist will recommend antiemetic medication to relieve this side effect.
  • Infections – Chemotherapy reduces the white blood cells in your body. It can lead to weakened immune systems. It means you are highly predisposed to infections.

Your doctor can recommend antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. You can also do the following to reduce this risk:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water
  • If you have any wound, make sure it remains clean
  • In case of an infection, have it treated as soon as possible
  • Keep off individuals who may have an infection

Anemia – Chemotherapy causes a decrease in red blood cells. Nearly 70% of individuals who have received chemotherapy treatment are anemic.

Anemia causes shortness of breath and tiredness. You are also likely to experience heart palpitations.

You need to consume foods rich in iron to increase your red blood cell levels. Examples of such foods include nuts, green leafy vegetables, and beans.

If you experience severe symptoms because of anemia, your oncologist can recommend a blood transfusion.

Hair loss- You will probably experience hair loss after chemotherapy treatment. These drugs target hair cells and other fast-growing cells.

Cooling caps can prevent hair loss by maintaining a cool scalp. Chemotherapy may also lead to sore and dry skin. It can also affect the color and strength of your nails. Use sunblocks to avoid direct contact with sunlight.

Bleeding- Chemotherapy interferes with blood clotting caused by a reduction in platelet count. You are likely to bleed excessively from a small cut. You could also get bruised easily.

Exercise a lot of caution when partaking in activities like shaving or cooking to avoid getting injured. In case of a low platelet count, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion.

Fertility – Certain thermotherapy drugs may reduce your fertility. Usually, fertility resumes once the treatment is completed.

You may consider freezing embryos or sperm if you intend to have children in the future.

Pregnancy – Make sure you are not pregnant when undergoing chemotherapy treatment. This is because such medication can adversely affect the pregnancy.

Mucositis – This is a condition that is characterized by an inflamed or swollen mucous membrane. If you have a swollen mouth, this is called oral mucositis.

Symptoms differ based on the dosage. If you are thinking of having children in the future, it is important to control mucositis to avoid bleeding or infection. Your oncologist will prescribe medication for this.

Cognitive problems – Chemotherapy can interfere with your cognitive functions, including the ability to organize or reason.

Some individuals present with depression and mood swings following chemotherapy treatment.

How long do chemotherapy side effects last?

You will experience easing of side effects as soon as you stop the treatment.

Other side effects will manifest for months after you stop treatment. Examples of the long-term effects of chemotherapy include:

  • Cognitive problems
  • Cardio problems
  • Nerve damage

You may require cancer rehabilitation to manage such long-term effects of chemotherapy.

Cost of chemotherapy in India

The cost of chemotherapy treatment in India ranges between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 50,000.

This variation in cost is reliant on various factors. They include:

  • Age of the patient
  • Admission fee
  • The room where you are admitted
  • Oncologist fee
  • Patient’s overall health
  • Type of hospital
  • Diagnostic and lab tests like ECG, X-ray
  • Type of chemotherapy
  • Whether there were any complications after chemotherapy
  • The site of treatment

By factoring in the above factor, the cost of chemotherapy in India may be as low as USD 55 or as high as USD 800 for an individual session.

A similar procedure in the United States will set you back between USD 20,000 and USD 60,000.

The table below summarizes the cost of chemotherapy treatment in selected cities across India:

chemotherapy cost in India

 

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Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is…
helping friend with depression
Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the…
bradycardia fainting
What does hypoglycemia look like when you don’t have diabetes? Hypoglycemia is not just a disease that co-occurs with diabetes. Non-diabetics could also become hypoglycemic.…
Dopamine: How dope is the chemistry that governs human emotions? Dopamine is not just any other chemical secreted by the brain, but a neurotransmitter that…
Grass-fed meat
Facts about grass-fed meat Grass-fed meat has a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and are low in fat and…
c peptide test
C-Peptide test C-peptide is a blood or urine test which is used to monitor and assess the…
How can Kegels help you overcome weak pelvic muscles & incontinence? Kegel exercises are pelvic floor strengthening exercises that can help you overcome incontinence issues that…
Beginner to Tai Chi? Find the right way to perform this exercise for best results According to the Chinese tradition, it is believed that practicing Tai chi helps in promoting…
The science behind daith piercing: Can it really cure migraine? Since the ear has several pressure points, it is believed that daith piercing activates the…
Ultrasound
Abdominal Ultrasound An abdominal ultrasound is used to visualize the organs inside your abdominal cavity including the…
Triglycerides: The most effective steps in bringing the levels down What are trigylcerides ? And how can they lead to the onset of several chronic…
carbamazepine
Carbamazepine / Tegretol test The carbamazepine is a drug that is used to treat epilepsy and the carbamazepine test…
Cilantro: 11 health reasons that will make you wanna use this garnish more! Call it cilantro or coriander, it remains as every chef's favorite garnish. How can this…
yoga health benefits
How to practice yoga for astounding health benefits Can a 5000-year-old system be the ultimate body healer? Did you know yoga can make…
General adaptation syndrome: Understanding stress, one step at a time The struggle of the body to produce hormones during a stressful situation is the main…
How to scrub away stress and fatigue with an Epsom salt bath? Epsom salt is a popular home remedy for many skin ailments. Though there is a…
What are the common mental health disorders in children and teens? Millions of children and teens are affected by a variety of mental health conditions. Statistically,…
18 instant steps to make your jogging routine more powerful Jogging is a form of Aerobic Endurance training which includes running at a slow pace.…
Electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush: Who wins the dental war? Manual brushes are ideal for kids as it is important to start slowly unlike the…
Gatorade: Top things you need to know about this staple energy drink Gatorade is a popular (in fact the most popular) energy drink worldwide. But this power-packed…
LDL cholesterol level
Lecithin: Learn how you can utilize this fatty acid to improve your cholesterol count Lecithin is primarily a fatty acid found in common foods such as soy and eggs.…
calorie counter weight loss
Guaranteed ways to lose weight fast and shed those extra pounds! Read more to find a guaranteed step-by-step method to lose weight permanently. Losing weight was…
hemoglobin variant analysis
Hemoglobin Variant Analysis Hemoglobin variant analysis is a blood test that is used to detect the presence of…
Easy steps on how to do the plank for the perfect abs The plank exercise helps in several ways like strengthening your abs, shoulders, back and glutes.…
Bone marrow aspiration Bone marrow aspiration is a process where a sample of the bone marrow is withdrawn…
HSV-IgM test
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-IgM Test The HSV-IgM class antibody is produced by the body a few days after an initial…
beta 2 glycoprotein 1 IgG
Beta 2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG Beta 2 glycoprotein 1 antibody test involves detecting and measuring the presence of the IgG…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the…
cytomegalovirus iGG
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)- IgG Test The cytomegalovirus IgG is the immunoglobulin protein produced by our immune system when the body…
POSTPRANDIAL-BLOOD-SUGAR
Post-Prandial Blood Sugar Postprandial blood sugar test is an important diabetes diagnosing tool. This simple blood test measure…
Hepatitis A virus infected liver
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Total Blood test to look for IgM antibodies to know if you are infected with Hepatitis…
17 OH Progesterone test The 17 OH progesterone test is a simple blood test that is mainly used to…
Inhale oxygen, exhale worries: The top breathing exercises and how to perform them Performing the breathing exercise is like becoming mindful of how you breathe.  Here is a…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the…
Hydroquinone: Is it the best topical treatment for hyperpigmentation? Darkening of the skin due to high melanin levels is called hyperpigmentation.  Hydroquinone interferes with melanin…
Coconut oil woman
Coconut Oil: How one oil dominates the kitchen and the medicine kit too Coconut oil has been a favorite in many Asian kitchens. But more than a cooking…
Salt dangers
Sodium chloride: The wonders and dangers of the simple table salt Sodium chloride is a salt containing sodium and chlorine ions at a 1:1 ratio. It…
Rheumatoid Arthritis xray
Arthritis Profile Arthritis profile is a panel of primarily blood tests used to detect the presence of…
Free T3 test
Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) Test The free triiodothyronine or FT3 test is an important blood test that is used to…
kidney stones
Kidney stones Kidney stones are solid substances made up of crystals. They can be of various sizes.…
free psa test
Free PSA Test The free PSA test is used to detect the level or percentage of free PSA…
BCAAs powder
BCAA: Now get more out of your workouts with this miracle protein BCAAs are counted as one of the best supplements for increasing your physical endurance. Find…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea…
Chromium Picolinate: An essential mineral supplement for faster weight loss Did you know that about 1.6 million deaths were directly linked to diabetes globally? How…
Surgery or home-remedy; what is the right way to treat a burn The treatment of a burn injury depends on its severity. You can save a life…
Coconut sugar: What is it and is it healthier than table sugar? In the long list of things that the wonderful coconut gives us, coconut sugar is…
Experts reveal the safest ways to perform an enema at home The idea of pushing some up your rectal area might make you queasy but an…
Echinacea: Why is this ancient herb re-emerging as an all-rounder supplement? Echinacea is a long-used herb that is finding ground as an immunity booster and perhaps…
Amnesia brain
Amnesia: It’s not just a blow on the head that can erase your memory Amnesia, a condition popularized by many a tv shows, is a condition of partial or…
LFT-test
Liver Function Test – LFT LFT or Liver Function Test is a blood test used to determine the levels of…
IGE test
IgE test – Immunoglobulin E IgE or immunoglobulin E test is a test that measures the level of IgE in…
Fluoride: An indispensible mineral or a potential toxin ? Fluoride, the main ingredient of toothpaste, has shown a great potential as a cleanser. However,…
Greek Yogurt: Discover the secret ingredient to the real Spartan strength Greek yogurt is probably the tastiest way you can enhance your gut microflora. Read more…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find…
Garlic health benefits cloves
Garlic: Nature’s white pill as an effective home remedy What are the secrets hidden in these tiny white pills? Find out the immense health…
CBC blood test
CBC (Hemogram 6-part diff) blood test CBC (Hemogram 6-part diff) blood test refers to the test that measures the number of…
Ca 19.9 test
CA19.9 Test CA 19.9 is a cancer antigen that exists on the surface of cancer-causing cells. The…
post circumcision
Circumcision Check to know everything about open , laser, stapler circumcision, and about preparation, procedure, risks,…
solution infertility problems
IVF Treatment Read to know everything about IVF treatment for women, the procedure, cost, success rate, results…
solution infertility problems
IVF Treatment Read to know everything about IVF treatment for women, the procedure, cost, success rate, results…
ear surgery
Ear Surgery Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty is a minimally-invasive surgery done to reshape the ears.…
deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of…
sugar toxic health
Sugar: 7 new shocking truths revealed about the sweet poison Can drinking soda bring you closer to death? Is sugar slowly poisoning you and your…
anoscopy
Anoscopy Anoscopy is an invasive diagnostic procedure where a small device known as anoscope will be…
CBD oil safe
Cannabidiol benefits: Evaluating the “highs” of CBD Oil The word cannabis paints a picture of addicts. But did you know that CBD oil,…
The most effective tips on how to stay awake at work Do you often find yourself snoozing off at your work desk? This might be a…
The most effective tips on how to stay awake at work Do you often find yourself snoozing off at your work desk? This might be a…
kale
Kale: With more iron than beef, this superfood is the ultimate way to lose weight Checkmate meat-eaters; with kale, vegans now have the ultimate iron-rich superfood as their ally that…
green poop causes
Green poop : What are the reasons and how can you correct it Ever sneak a peek down the toilet only to shockingly find green poop? Why does…
ginger benefits healthy
Ginger: Why is it called the root of all remedies? Be it in form of tea or juice, ginger has a lot to offer when…
hYdroxycut pills
Hydroxycut: How safe are these so-called weight loss supplements? Hydroxycut is a blend of several different ingredients formulated to promote weight loss; powered by…
ADHD forgetful
ADD versus ADHD: What are the fundamental differences? Does every hyperactive child have ADHD? Do adults display symptoms of ADHD as well? What…
Muscle relaxers: Think twice before popping prescription drugs for muscle pain The market is brimming with OTC muscle relaxers. But these come with a host side-effects.…
CEA_test
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test CEA or carcinoembryonic test detects the presence of CEA antigen in your blood mainly &…
adenosine deaminase
Adenosine Deaminase Test Adenosine Deaminase is a protein that is produced by most cells of the body that…

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You can adapt yourself to getting less sleep than you need.
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