Chemotherapy in Chandigarh
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, playing a critical role in the fight against various types of cancer. At Face & neck Surgery, we provide personalized chemo treatment plans designed to target cancer effectively while supporting our patients through every step of their journey. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate support.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, often called “chemo,” is a type of treatment used to fight cancer. It involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. While it is one of the most common treatments for cancer, it is important to know that chemotherapy can be used alongside other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.
How Does Chemo Treatment Work?
Compared to normal bodily cells, cancer cells proliferate and divide more quickly. Chemotherapy works by targeting these rapidly growing cells. However, since chemo cannot always distinguish between cancer cells and normal fast-growing cells (like those in your hair or stomach lining), it may cause side effects.
The goal of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer:
- Curative treatment: Sometimes, chemo can completely eliminate cancer.
- Control: It can shrink cancer tumors and stop them from spreading.
- Palliative care: In cases where a cure isn’t possible, chemo can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Types of Chemotherapy
We offer various chemotherapy options depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual health factors:
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove.
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Palliative Chemotherapy: Focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
The Chemotherapy Process
Chemo treatment is typically given in cycles. Each cycle includes a treatment period followed by a rest period to let your body recover. The process of receiving chemotherapy can vary based on the type of cancer and the drugs used.
Before Treatment: You may have tests to make sure your body is healthy enough for chemo. Your doctor will explain the type of chemotherapy you’ll receive, how often you’ll need it, and how long your treatment will last.
During Treatment: Chemotherapy can be given in several ways:
- Intravenous (IV): The most common method where the chemo drugs are delivered through a needle into a vein.
- Oral: Some chemo drugs come in pill form that you can take at home.
- Injections: Some drugs can be injected directly into a muscle or under the skin.
Chemo sessions can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of drugs and method of delivery.
After Treatment: You may experience side effects like nausea, hair loss, or fatigue. It’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare team, who can help manage these side effects and monitor how well the treatment is working.
General Principles of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, aimed at targeting and destroying cancer cells throughout the body. Here are the key general principles that guide chemotherapy treatment:
1. Mechanism of Action
Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide. Since cancer cells multiply rapidly, chemotherapy is designed to target these fast-dividing cells. However, because some healthy cells (like those in hair follicles or the digestive tract) also divide quickly, they can sometimes be affected, leading to side effects.
2. Combination Therapy
Chemotherapy often involves the use of a combination of drugs, each with a different mechanism of action. This approach enhances the overall effectiveness of treatment, as different drugs target cancer cells in different ways. By combining drugs, the likelihood of resistance developing is reduced, and the chances of destroying more cancer cells improve.
3. Chemotherapy Cycles
Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles, which consist of treatment sessions followed by rest periods. The rest period allows the body to recover and healthy cells to regenerate between treatments. Cycles are carefully timed to maximize the destruction of cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
4. Individualized Treatment Plans
The choice of chemotherapy drugs, dosage, and schedule is tailored to the individual patient based on factors such as:
The type of cancer
The stage of cancer
The patient’s overall health and medical history
Whether the treatment is curative or palliative
Each patient’s response to chemotherapy is closely monitored, and adjustments are made as needed to optimize outcomes.
5. Goal-Oriented Treatment
Chemotherapy can be used for different purposes depending on the cancer and its stage:
Curative Chemotherapy: To completely eliminate cancer and achieve a cure.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove.
Palliative Chemotherapy: Used in advanced cancers to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
6. Dose Intensity and Scheduling
Dose intensity refers to the amount of chemotherapy drugs given in a specific time period. Higher dose intensity can be more effective against aggressive cancers but may also increase side effects. Scheduling (dose frequency) is based on balancing the effectiveness of treatment with the ability of the patient to tolerate side effects.
7. Monitoring and Side Effect Management
During chemotherapy, patients are closely monitored for any side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, or an increased risk of infections. Supporting medications, lifestyle adjustments, and therapies are often provided to help manage these side effects. Regular blood tests and scans are also used to track the effectiveness of treatment and ensure the patient’s overall health is maintained.
8. Impact on the Immune System
Chemotherapy can temporarily weaken the immune system, as it may reduce the number of white blood cells that help fight infection. Patients are often advised to avoid infections, and their white blood cell count is regularly monitored. In some cases, medications are given to stimulate white blood cell production.
9. Balancing Effectiveness and Toxicity
One of the core principles of chemotherapy is to maximize the destruction of cancer cells while minimizing harm to the patient’s normal cells. This delicate balance is a constant focus during treatment planning and execution, with oncologists adjusting doses or selecting specific drugs to achieve the best possible outcomes with the least amount of toxicity.
Why Choose Face & Neck Surgery for Chemotherapy?
- Expert Oncology Team: Our board-certified oncologists specialize in various chemotherapy types, ensuring the most effective treatment plan for each patient.
Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to administer chemotherapy safely and effectively. - Support: From nutritional counseling to emotional support, we provide a holistic approach to patient care, helping you manage the challenges of chemotherapy.
Patient-Centric Care: We focus on creating a comfortable, caring environment, with private infusion rooms, flexible scheduling, and personalized attention.
Conclusion
One effective weapon in the fight against cancer is chemotherapy. While it can come with side effects, understanding the chemotherapy process and having a support team in place can help make the journey easier. If you or a loved one are about to start chemo treatment, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you have to feel informed and prepared.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your chemo treatment options and start your journey towards recovery.