Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body. It can be given intravenously, orally, or injected into specific areas. Over 650,000 patients receive chemotherapy annually in the US. It may be used alone or combined with surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Chemotherapy treats many types of cancer. It can be used to cure cancer, shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant), destroy remaining cells after surgery (adjuvant), slow cancer growth, or relieve symptoms of advanced cancer (palliative).

Pre-treatment includes blood tests, imaging, possible port placement for IV access, dental checkup (to prevent infection), and fertility preservation discussion if applicable. Medications for nausea prevention are prescribed. Arrange for transportation and help at home.

Treatment is given in cycles (e.g., treatment for 1-5 days followed by 2-3 weeks of recovery). IV chemotherapy is administered in an infusion center over hours. Oral chemotherapy is taken at home per schedule. A typical course involves 4-8 cycles over 3-6 months.

Recovery between cycles varies. Common short-term effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, mouth sores, and increased infection risk (due to low white blood cells). Most side effects resolve after treatment ends. Hair typically regrows within 3-6 months.

Side effects include nausea/vomiting (well-controlled with modern anti-nausea drugs), hair loss, fatigue, immunosuppression, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, fertility issues, and organ-specific toxicities (heart, kidneys, liver) depending on the drugs used.

Depending on cancer type, alternatives or additions include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, surgery alone, or clinical trials of newer agents. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's cancer type and stage.

Cancer treatment is covered by all insurance plans as an essential health benefit. Out-of-pocket costs can still be significant due to high drug costs. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs. Medicare covers chemotherapy.