What is Chemotherapy and how frequently we should take it?

Introduction to Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, often shortened to “chemo,” is a systemic treatment that affects the entire body. Unlike surgery or radiation therapy, which targets specific areas, chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells wherever they may be. The primary goal of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells or prevent them from dividing and multiplying. The best Cancer Doctor in India plays a crucial role in chemotherapy treatment, serving as the primary overseer and coordinator of a patient’s cancer care.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

There are many different chemotherapy drugs, each working in slightly different ways. Oncologists choose specific drugs or combinations based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are some of the main categories of chemotherapy drugs:

1. Alkylating Agents: These drugs damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from reproducing. Examples include cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and carboplatin. They often treat various cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and solid tumours.
2. Antimetabolites interfere with DNA and RNA production, stopping cell division and tumour growth. Common antimetabolites include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine, and methotrexate. They’re frequently used in treating breast, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers.
3. Anti-tumour Antibiotics: Not to be confused with antibiotics used to treat infections, these drugs interfere with enzymes involved in DNA replication. Examples include doxorubicin, epirubicin, and bleomycin. They’re often used for a wide range of cancers, including breast, lung, and testicular cancers.
4. Topoisomerase Inhibitors:  These drugs interfere with enzymes called topoisomerases, which help separate DNA strands during cell division. Examples include irinotecan and topotecan. They’re used in treating certain leukemias, lung, and ovarian cancers.
5. Mitotic Inhibitors: Derived from plants, these drugs stop cancer cells from dividing by interfering with cell division. Examples include paclitaxel, docetaxel, and vinblastine. They’re often used for breast, lung, and blood cancers.
6. Corticosteroids: These drugs are often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to reduce inflammation and improve the effectiveness of other treatments. Prednisone and dexamethasone are common examples.

Frequency of Chemotherapy Visits

The frequency of chemotherapy treatments varies depending on several factors:

1. Type of cancer
2. Stage of cancer
3. Goals of treatment (curative or palliative)
4. Types of drugs used
5. Patient’s overall health and response to treatment

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, using a variety of drugs to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body. The Chemotherapy cost in India varies from different hospital. While the types of drugs and treatment schedules can vary widely depending on individual circumstances, most chemotherapy regimens involve regular visits over several months or more.