What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a group of drugs or medicines used to treat cancer. They act by killing cells that multiply rapidly, such as cancer cells, and reduce their ability to divide, growth and spread. Different cancers are treated using different chemotherapy drugs either alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy. Cancer specialists in hospitals usually give these medicines.
If you are looking for the best chemotherapy center in India, then contact Cancer Therapy India where you will get the best treatment and care.
What is the benefit of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is used in almost all types of cancers in various stages. It can be used in the early stages of Cancer and in some patients, even in advanced stages to cure cancer. If cancer cannot be cured, then chemotherapy is used to improve symptoms caused by cancer and increase the duration of life.
Cancer Therapy India offers the best chemotherapy in India and has state-of-the-art facilities and technologies available for patients in need.
Chemotherapy can be given either as tablets orally or in the vein as injections or infusions. In most of the cases, it is administered as infusions. Sometimes the chemotherapy can also be given in combination of tablets and infusions. Irrespective of its method of delivery, they enter the blood circulation and target the cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Most of the chemotherapy nowadays require a daycare admission in an Oncology day care unit, and patients are discharged the same day. For some chemotherapy regimens, a few days admission may be required to deliver the treatment safely. Chemotherapy is generally given at regular intervals of every week, or 2 to 3 weekly for prolonged duration often over 4 to 6 months and maybe more. Chemotherapy drug doses are generally calculated based on the patient's height and weight. Occasionally standard dosing may be used depending upon the drug.
Since chemotherapy can also affect some healthy cells, it can lead to side effects and hence should be taken under the care of doctors who are trained in delivering the treatment safely and do it regularly. Different chemotherapy drugs have different side-effect profiles, and the patient should discuss it with their cancer specialist in detail before starting the treatment. Since the healthy cells can repair themselves, most of the side effects will improve or go away with time. Generally, if the side effects are severe, then the chemotherapy medicines may be delayed, dose reduced or stopped, and alternative treatment started.
Some of these side effects can be reduced or treated. Consult Cancer Therapy India, we offer the best chemotherapy in India, if you notice any above side effects in yourself or anyone near you.
Before preparing for chemotherapy, it is essential to confirm your appointment with your doctor or team and ensure the bed is booked.
Before starting any chemotherapy, a blood test is usually done the previous day or on the same day before chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is given only if the blood reports are within acceptable limits. If not, then the chemotherapy may be cancelled or delayed. Additional treatment such as blood transfusions or IV fluids may be required to correct any abnormalities.
On the morning of chemotherapy, it is best to have a light meal with high fibre content and take all regular medications the patient may be taking for other disease or as advised by your doctor.
Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes and comfortable footwear.
It is essential to come to the hospital with a relative or friend and not come alone.
Since the chemotherapy may take a few hours and occasionally the whole or a few days, it is crucial to carry some entertainment or distraction such as books, music or movies with you to keep you occupied.
When coming to the hospital, please bring all your previous reposts and medical file with you.
Prior to chemotherapy, the patient's height and weight will be checked, the dose of the chemotherapy calculated and given as per the prescription of your treating doctor.
Before chemotherapy, the patient will be asked to sign a consent form, which should be read thoroughly and signed only if happy with its content. If there are any concerns, it should be raised with the treating doctor.
Chemotherapy is usually given in a chemotherapy day unit or chemotherapy ward by nurses and pharmacist trained in the delivery of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy delivery requires a special skill set and needs to be done by qualified personnel to eliminate errors and ensure treatment is done safely.
Prior to commencing chemotherapy, a doctor will review the patient and blood reports and prescribe chemotherapy if all is ok. Following the prescription, the drugs will be mixed with IV fluids in a sterile chemotherapy hood.
Before chemotherapy, anti-sickness medication and IV fluids may be given. Following that chemotherapy is administered, which may take many hours or a few days depending upon the treatment regimen.
Once the chemotherapy is over the patient should be able to go home soon after. Patients are usually advised to take some medications after chemotherapy for a few days to prevent sickness and other side-effects.
Once discharged from the hospital, they are given a discharge summary. It will have all the details of all the treatment given and a list of drugs to take at home.
The patient will also be intimated with the next treatment date or follow up.
It is very important for the patient and family members to have the doctor's or hospital's emergency contact number in case any emergency arises when the patient is at home.
Chemotherapy drugs are categorized based on their mode of action.
The main categories are:
Chemotherapy can treat cancer in the following ways:
Where you'll receive your chemotherapy treatments depends on your overall health. Chemotherapy treatments can be given:
One course of chemotherapy may last between three to six months. Generally, one-course chemo treatment consists of several on-and-off cycles. One cycle usually lasts two to six weeks.
Within each cycle, there are several treatment sessions and the duration of each session depends on its form.
It depends on several factors such as type of cancer, stage of cancer, the goal of treatment, type of chemotherapy, and the way the body responds to the treatment.
Yes, chemotherapy is available in India. There are hospitals that are designed especially for cancer treatment, diagnosis and care. To avail best cancer screening and treatment services in India book an appointment with the best chemotherapy centre in India.
India is one of the best destinations for cancer treatment and diagnosis. The cancer hospitals in India have state-of-the-art facilities and new technologies to treat any kind of cancer at a minimal cost. The oncologists are board-certified doctors and surgeons who are fully qualified to treat any kind of cancer. They are experienced in their field and actively participate in research and publications
The average chemotherapy cost in India may vary depending upon the hospitals in different cities. India offers advanced treatment at very minimal rates in comparison to other countries.
Intravenous chemotherapy should not cause any pain while being administered. If you feel any pain, contact the nurse taking care of you to check your IV line. An exception would be if there is a leak and the drug gets into nearby tissues.
