Chemotherapy is the use
of anticancer drugs designed to slow or stop the growth of rapidly dividing
cancer cells in the body. The drugs may be used:
§ As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells
§ Before another treatment to shrink a tumor
§ After another treatment to destroy any remaining
cancer cells
§ To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer
At Cancer Treatment
Centers of America® (CTCA), our medical oncologists are experienced
in delivering targeted, individualized chemotherapy options while also
proactively managing side effects.When chemotherapy drugs travel through the
bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body, it's known as systemic
chemotherapy; when chemotherapy drugs are directed to a specific area of the
body, it's called regional chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy delivery methods
Some chemotherapy
delivery methods include:
§ Orally (by mouth as a pill or liquid)
§ Intravenously (by infusion into a vein)
§ Topically (as a cream on the skin)
§ Injection
§ Direct placement (via a lumbar puncture or
device placed under the scalp)
When chemotherapy drugs
travel through the bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body, it is called
systemic Chemotherapy. When chemotherapy drugs are directed to a specific area
of the body, it is called regional chemotherapy.
Managing chemotherapy side effects
While chemotherapy
targets cancer cells, it may also damage healthy cells and cause unpleasant
side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue and mouth sores.
Your care team will provide a variety of supportive care services to help you
prevent or manage side effects throughout your chemotherapy treatment.
Experienced
care team
For
most of our patients, a medical oncologist serves as their primary doctor. Our
medical oncologists and cancer experts, including gynecologic oncologists, have
training in diagnosing cancer and delivering chemotherapy, immunotherapy,
targeted therapy and/or hormone therapy. They will work closely with you and
the rest of your care team to discuss chemotherapy options based on your
individual needs.
Individualized
treatment approach
When
you arrive at the hospital, your medical oncologist or gynecologic oncologist
will review your medical history and perform a full diagnostic evaluation, then
present you with a treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis.
Chemotherapy
is an important part of treatment for many of our patients. Our physicians use
standard-of-care treatment protocols and practice evidence-based medicine. In
some cases, we may use innovative delivery methods to treat certain types of
cancer.
We
strive to find the right chemotherapy drug, or combination of drugs, for each
person. We may use certain tests to help us identify an appropriate drug
combination for your disease and help you avoid unnecessary toxicity.
If
chemotherapy is part of your treatment plan, your medical oncologist will
coordinate your dosage and schedule. You may receive chemotherapy alone, or in
combination with other treatment modalities like targeted therapies, surgery
and/or radiation therapy.
Throughout
your treatment, your medical oncologist will monitor the progress of your
chemotherapy regimen and modify your treatment plan accordingly.
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