Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy Treatment
Chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxic (cancer) drugs to treat cancer. It is most commonly delivered into the veins (intravenously) but some can be taken as tablets (orally).
Chemotherapy is usually given for short periods at 2 to 4 week intervals (cycles). The time between cycles is to allow the body to recover from the toxic side-effects on the body. Often a combination of 2-3 drugs are given to achieve the best response.
Side-effects of chemotherapy depend on the drug given, dose and frequency of administration. Common side-effects include nausea and vomiting, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, hair loss and a low blood count. The blood count can be affected by one or a combination of 3 ways:
- low red blood cells or haemoglobin (anaemia) causes tiredness, pale complexion and breathlessness
- low white blood cells will make the patient more prone to infections
- low platelet count increases the risk of bruising and bleeding
Patient with low white blood cells (neutropenia) may not have any symptoms until an infection develops. The common symptoms of infection (neutropenic sepsis) are fever and rigors (shivers or shakes). There may be more specific symptoms relating to the site of infection such as diarrhoea, cough or cystitis. Any patient on chemotherapy developing symptoms of infection MUST seek appropriate medical help immediately. If they do not there is a serious risk of serious complications and even death.
Prior to a decision to proceed with chemotherapy all patients will be fully advised by the oncologist what the risks and benefits of treatment are. Patients will also be given 24 hour access direct contact numbers in the event of an emergency.