Chemotherapy Essentials
Learn everything about chemotherapy, including its types, how it works, potential side effects, and tips for managing them. This complete guide will help patients navigate treatment with confidence and understanding.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
A Complete Guide to Chemotherapy
In India, cancer cases are projected to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025. A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, bringing uncertainty and many questions, especially regarding treatment options. Chemotherapy often becomes the main treatment method.
The approach uses drugs to kill cancer cells, prevent their spread, and improve overall survival rates. While effective, chemotherapy can lead to side effects. This article covers the essentials of chemotherapy, its significance, types, procedures, side effects, and post-chemotherapy care.
How Chemotherapy Works Against Cancer?
Chemotherapy medications target cells at different points in the cell cycle. Understanding the functions of these drugs enables physicians to anticipate which combinations will provide the best results.
Cancer cells split more rapidly than normal cells, which makes them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. However, these medications do not differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, causing harm to both and leading to side effects.
Each chemotherapy treatment requires a careful balance between the necessity of destroying cancer cells to combat the illness and the need to safeguard normal cells to reduce adverse effects.
What are the Types of Chemotherapy?
Following are the major types of chemotherapy treatment approaches used for treating cancer:
Alkylating Agents (including Nitrosoureas)
Alkylating agents affect the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) in cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. Nitrosoureas, a type of alkylating agent, can cross the blood-brain barrier, making them useful for treating brain tumours. Some examples include Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Carboplatin, Carmustine, and Lomustine.
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
These medications stop the enzyme topoisomerase from working, which halts DNA replication and causes DNA damage. By blocking DNA doubling, these drugs prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Examples include Etoposide, Irinotecan, and Topotecan.
Antimetabolites
These medications disrupt cancer cells' ability to generate the genetic material necessary for division. Some important examples include Methotrexate, Fluorouracil, Gemcitabine, and Pemetrexed.
Mitotic Inhibitors (Plant Alkaloids)
Derived from plants, Mitotic inhibitors prevent cancer cells from dividing correctly during mitosis, disrupting their reproduction. These drugs help stop cancer cell multiplication by interfering with their division. Common examples of Mitotic inhibitors include Paclitaxel, Vincristine, and Docetaxel.
Antitumour Antibiotics (including Anthracyclines)
These medications manage cancer by affecting the genetic material present within the cancerous cells. This prevents cancer cells from growing and spreading. Anthracyclines, a subgroup of these antibiotics, also cause DNA damage. Examples include Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Bleomycin, and Mitomycin-C.
Other Chemotherapy Drugs
Several chemotherapy drugs do not fit into the main categories but are widely used in cancer treatment. They work through various methods, such as disrupting cancer cell functions or targeting specific cancer pathways. These include Arsenic trioxide, Asparaginase, and Eribulin.
How are Chemotherapy Drugs Given During the Treatment Process?
Chemotherapy drugs can be given in different ways during the chemotherapy procedure. These include:
Chemotherapy Infusions: Chemotherapy is most commonly given intravenously, where a needle or tube is inserted into a vein in the arm or chest to deliver the drugs.
Chemotherapy Pills: Certain chemotherapy drugs are available in pill or capsule form, allowing patients to take them orally.
Chemotherapy Creams: Topical creams or gels containing chemotherapy drugs can be applied to the skin for the treatment of specific skin cancers.
Chemotherapy Shots: Chemotherapy can also be given as an injection through a needle, similar to receiving a regular shot.
Chemotherapy for a Specific Area: Chemotherapy drugs can be directly given to targeted areas like the abdomen, chest cavity, or central nervous system for tailored treatment.
Chemotherapy Directly Given to Cancer: Often, chemotherapy is given directly to the cancer or after surgery in the region where the cancer was present.
Chemotherapy into a Vein: Chemotherapy drugs can also be injected into an artery or vein that directly leads to a tumour.
What is the Duration of Chemotherapy Treatment?
The duration of chemotherapy treatment varies based on the type of chemotherapy performed. Several patients may require a continuous infusion that can extend over several days, starting in a hospital or infusion centre and potentially continuing at home.
Usually, patients go through several cycles of chemotherapy. One cycle can involve treatment for several days or weeks, followed by a break for recovery. After this rest period, another cycle may be planned, following a similar pattern of treatment and breaks.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Here are some common side effects of chemotherapy:
Anaemia
Diarrhoea
Bleeding
Fatigue
Infection
Hair loss
Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Early menopause
Cardiotoxicity
Bladder and kidney ailments
Peripheral neuropathy
Sex and fertility problem
Things to Do During Post-Chemotherapy Care
After chemotherapy, it is crucial to lead a healthy lifestyle for a successful recovery. Here are some important practices to consider:
Eating Well and Staying Hydrated
A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains aids in healing and boosts the immune system. Drinking plenty of water helps eliminate toxins and supports digestion, especially post-treatment.
Staying Active
Patients can start with gentle exercises like walking or yoga, then gradually increase the intensity. Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, lowers the chance of cancer recurrence, and improves overall health.
Getting Sufficient Sleep
Having a sound sleep for 7-8 hours each night and short naps during the day can help reduce tiredness and increase energy.
Managing Stress
Incorporating mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, or creative hobbies to handle stress is essential. Regular exercise and having a support system can also enhance mood and lessen anxiety.
Attending Follow-up Appointments
Regular visits to healthcare providers help track recovery, address any concerns, and detect potential issues early to maintain health after treatment.
Diet Considerations During Chemotherapy
Eating a balanced diet is vital during chemotherapy to help with treatment and overall well-being. Here are some helpful foods to consider:
Oatmeal
Avocado
Eggs
Almonds and nut butter
Broccoli and various cruciferous vegetables
Fish
White bread or crackers
Broth
Homemade smoothies
Pumpkin seeds
Advances and Innovations in Chemotherapy
Recent advancements in chemotherapy have led to more effective treatments with fewer side effects. Some notable advancements include:
Targeted Therapy
This therapy operates by identifying cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which hampers normal cells alongside cancerous cells, targeted therapies specifically fight cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.
Immunotherapy Integration
The integration of chemotherapy and immunotherapy makes it more successful in stimulating the immune system to better target and destroy malignant cells.
Nanotechnology in Chemotherapy
Nanoparticles serve to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the cancer cells, enhancing drug efficacy and thereby reducing side effects and injury to healthy cells.
Real-Time Monitoring Systems
The use of real-time monitoring systems enables doctors and oncology specialists to analyse the patient's response to the therapy, thus allowing immediate adjustment in the approach.
Technology for Improving Chemotherapy Dosing
Sophisticated algorithms integrated with clinical decision support help oncologists in analysing the correct dose of chemotherapy for each patient.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy is an essential medical approach to managing cancer, and its purpose is to kill the cancer cells while also reducing the extent of disease dissemination. It symbolises the advancements of modern medicine and highlights the strength of those who endure the treatment.
Consult Top Oncologists
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Dr. Harsh J Shah
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