How does Chemotherapy Work to Combat Cancer?

09/27/2024

How Does Chemotherapy Work in the Body?

Chemotherapy refers to the treatment wherein strong drugs are utilized in order to slow down or kill the fast-growing cells in the body, such as cancer cells. While treating the cancer cells, it may also kill other fast-growing cells. As a result, you may stumble upon side effects. 

In most cases, the chemotherapy is given intravenously. Besides, it may be administered in the body orally, topically, or through injection. The doctor will decide the administration route based on your situation and the severity of the symptoms.

It Targets Cells that Grow and Multiply Quickly.

Chemotherapy drugs operate by targeting the cells at distinct phases during the cell cycle. Typically, the cell undergoes 4 phases as it becomes mature. In these stages, the cells in the body grow, divide, and replicate DNA. The entire process may consume up to years for most cells, but the process may be completed within a day for fast-growing cells. 

Cancer cells are considered fastest growing cells and quickly move from one phase to another during the cell cycle. Chemo drugs are given to patients to kill or slow down the fastest-growing cells, especially during the division and DNA replication phases. With the help of chemo, the cancer cells can be killed during these phases. Since most cells in the body give less time to these phases, they are impacted slightly by the chemo drugs.

Chemotherapy for the Whole Body

Chemotherapy stands out commonly as a systemic treatment, which means the drugs pass through the bloodstream, assisting it to kill the fast-growing cancerous cells in the entire body. Systematic chemotherapy can be effective mainly if the cancer cells have spread from one part of the body to another. Such cancer cells can be so tiny, which makes them hard to detect. In order to treat such cancer cells, systematic chemotherapy is the only possible way.  

Chemotherapy, Either as a Regional or Local Treatment

Chemotherapy can also be prescribed as a targeted treatment for cancer cells that have accumulated in a specific area of the body. High doses of chemotherapy are administered during regional chemotherapy, which doesn’t pass through the entire body. As a result, it is less likely to kill or slow down the growth of other fast-growing cells. However, it is not a fruitful treatment if the cancer cells have spread from one part to another.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy comes as a first-line treatment wherein special drugs are used to kill the growth and avert the multiplication of cancer cells in the system. The drug is incompetent in distinguishing between cancer cells and other healthy cells.  It kills other fast-growing cells as well while killing cancer cells in the body. Other fast-growing cells can be seen in hair follicles, bone marrow, gastrointestinal lining, etc. When the drug kills these cells, too, it can yield a wide range of side effects, including:

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea

• Mouth sores

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Constipation

• Hair loss

• Fatigue

• Pain

• Bleeding

 The number of side effects and their intensities depend on the type of chemotherapy being given to the patient. You may also experience side effects such as thinking and memory problems, which are also referred to as chemo fog and chemo brain. Your healthcare provider will provide more information on the possible side effects based on the selected treatment.

Most side effects related to chemotherapy fade out on their own once the treatment comes to an end. However, there could be many side effects that show up right away and last longer. Such side effects may consist of fertility problems, kidney problems, heart problems, and damage to lung tissues. 

How to Manage Side Effects Brought on by Chemotherapy Treatment? 

As listed earlier, while going under chemotherapy, you may come across various side effects ranging from moderate to severe. The care team will help you cope with cancer treatment by recommending you to:

• Stay hydrated

• Take anti-nausea medications

• Eat small meals

• Do physical activity

• Cover your head

• Nap all day long

What are the Types of Chemotherapy Drugs and Medications?

There is a wide range of chemotherapy medications available on the market. The doctor will let you know the type of drug that needs to be used to kill cancer cells in the body. The chemo drug can be administered in many different ways, such as through injection, pills, creams, infusion, and liquids. The chemo drug can be administered at the hospital, home, and clinic, depending upon the treatment plan and the type of medication being used.

The Following are the Common Chemo Drugs and Medications:

Chemotherapy infusion:

One of the most common ways to administer chemotherapy is to inject chemotherapy drugs into an arm at a hospital or clinic. Once the dosage of the drug has been transferred, the need will be removed. The other way to administer chemotherapy infusion is via a device that is placed in a vein in your chest. Administering drugs via intravenous chemo can take a few minutes or a few hours.

Chemotherapy Injections:

If you are getting chemotherapy injections, they will be administered subcutaneously in any of the following areas of the body: arm, thigh, hip, belly, leg, etc. It would help if you get it under the observation of a doctor at a clinic or a hospital. Don’t try to self-inject it at home; you may harm or hurt yourself this way. 

Chemotherapy Pills or Liquids:

There are several chemotherapy drugs on the market that are accessible in forms such as pills, capsules, and liquids. These forms of chemotherapy drugs are easy to use; you just have to swallow the medication orally with water without breaking, crushing, or chewing the tablet. Also, in order to get this medication, you don’t have to visit a hospital or clinic; you can take it at home.                                         

In order to get the best results from oral chemo, you should stick to the guidelines provided by the healthcare provider. If you take the wrong dosage or do not stick to the treatment span planned by the oncologist, the condition will not improve. Oral chemo demands special handling; for instance, you should wear gloves while handling and returning pills.

Chemotherapy Creams: 

Chemotherapy creams are topical creams that you use on specific areas of your skin, especially on the affected regions. Creams are majorly provided to treat the cancer cells, and other fast-growing cancer cells present in the topmost layers of the skin. Also, chemotherapy creams and eye drops are used to address various types of eye cancers.

How Many Types of Cancers Does Chemotherapy Treat?

Chemotherapy is effective in addressing a wide range of cancers, such as:

• Blood cancers

• Brain and spinal cancers

• Breast cancers

• Lung cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Skin cancer

• Pancreatic cancer

• Colorectal cancer

In the earlier stages, chemotherapy can be used alone or with other treatments to treat the cancer. On the other hand, chemotherapy is often used with additional treatments to treat the condition more effectively or to minimize the ill effects of cancer. You should see your healthcare provider to get adequate information regarding the treatment. 

Conclusion: 

Chemotherapy is one of the common treatment options for addressing cancer. It works by killing or slowing down the growth of cancer cells to prevent multiplication in the body. The type of cancer treatment you need will rely on many factors, such as the intensity of the symptoms, whether it has spread to other parts or not, the type of cancer, etc. Therefore, you should see a certified healthcare specialist to guide you through all this. A treatment is picked based on your unique needs and preferences.

You are stronger than cancer; don’t let it take over you. 

Strength, love, and peace!

FAQs:

1. How long does chemo extend your life?

The duration ranges from three to twelve months when palliative chemotherapy is used in patients with cancer. Your life expectancy improves with the length of the response. 

2. What is the 7-day rule in chemotherapy?

The “7-day rule in chemotherapy” refers to measures associated with administering specific chemotherapy drugs. The rule helps maintain a particular level of the drug in the body to prevent cancer cells from multiplying and growing.

3. Does your body ever fully recover from chemotherapy?

While receiving chemotherapy, you may experience many side effects. However, these side effects wean off once the treatment ends. Some side effects can last for years or may need monitoring and treatment. The long-term side effects of chemotherapy may consist of damage to your heart and peripheral neuropathy.