Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic = toxic to cells) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs work by disrupting the way cancer cells grow and divide. Different cancers are treated with different chemotherapy drugs. These drugs can be used singly or in combination depending on the condition being treated.
Chemotherapy treatment can either:
A doctor may recommend chemotherapy:
While chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many patients, its potential side effects due to the damage to healthy cells cause worry and understandable fear to many. Most of its side effects are short term which means that it will go away once treatment is completed.
Types of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be given in several ways. Your doctors will recommend the most suitable type of chemotherapy drug for you.
The most common types are:
You may be treated with one type of chemotherapy medicine or a combination of different types. You’ll usually have several treatment sessions, which will typically be spread over the course of a few months.
Side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy could damage some healthy cells in the body, such as blood cells, skin cells and cells in the stomach.
This can cause a range of discomfort side effects, such as:
Many of these side effects can be treated or prevented and most, if not all, will pass after treatment stops.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Working Together to Fight Cancer
Cancer treatment requires different strategies for treatments. Chemotherapy can be combined with other treatments such as radiotherapy or following surgery to maximize outcomes.
At KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, we understand that each cancer patient is unique with complex needs. Our team of experienced specialists (oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and nurses) will work with you to discuss a suitable form of treatment for you. We plan a suitable treatment for your cancer type based on a detailed diagnosis. Together, we review all the factors that may affect your treatment to help prevent unexpected health problems and identify your supporting care needed.
What procedures are available at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital?
How many medical staff are there at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital and what accreditations do they have?
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment where medicine with powerful chemicals is used to destroy fast-growing cells in the body. It is usually used to treat cancer because cancer cells can grow and multiply faster than most other cells within the body.Ā While it is not a singularly defined service, it generally involves a series of treatments administered in cycles over a period of weeks or months, with rest periods in between.Ā
Chemotherapy may be used in a variety of settings for people with cancer, including:
As the primary treatment for cancer (alone without other types of treatments).
In combination with other therapies, such as radiation, surgery, or hormone therapy.Ā
After other types of cancer treatments, such as surgery, to kill hidden cancer cells that may remain in the body. This is called adjuvant therapy.Ā
To prepare your body for other treatments, such as surgery and radiation, by shrinking a tumor. This is called neoadjuvant therapy.
To help relieve symptoms of cancer by destroying some of the cancer cells. This is called palliative chemotherapy.
Besides treating cancer, some chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat other conditions, such as immune system disorders and bone marrow diseases.
The recovery time for Chemotherapy can vary widely depending on the specific type of chemotherapy, the overall health of the patient, and the individual's response to treatment. Some people might feel well enough to return to their normal activities right away, while others may need weeks or months to recover.Ā It is best that you ask your employer if you can work fewer hours, work from home, or adjust your schedule when you have cancer treatment.
It's important to understand that the side effects of chemotherapy can be considerable, and managing these effects is an essential part of the recovery process. Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection, among others.
The efficacy of chemotherapy hinges on a myriad of factors that include the site, nature, and progression phase of your cancer. Your age, general health condition, and any pre-existing health issues also contribute to the success of the procedure. In certain cases, the Chemotherapy can be remarkably successful in eradicating cancer. Some patients may find it helpful for alleviating symptoms, stalling disease progress, and boosting their life quality.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic = toxic to cells) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs work by disrupting the way cancer cells grow and divide. Different cancers are treated with different chemotherapy drugs. These drugs can be used singly or in combination depending on the condition being treated.
Chemotherapy treatment can either:
A doctor may recommend chemotherapy:
While chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many patients, its potential side effects due to the damage to healthy cells cause worry and understandable fear to many. Most of its side effects are short term which means that it will go away once treatment is completed.
Types of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be given in several ways. Your doctors will recommend the most suitable type of chemotherapy drug for you.
The most common types are:
You may be treated with one type of chemotherapy medicine or a combination of different types. You’ll usually have several treatment sessions, which will typically be spread over the course of a few months.
Side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy could damage some healthy cells in the body, such as blood cells, skin cells and cells in the stomach.
This can cause a range of discomfort side effects, such as:
Many of these side effects can be treated or prevented and most, if not all, will pass after treatment stops.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Working Together to Fight Cancer
Cancer treatment requires different strategies for treatments. Chemotherapy can be combined with other treatments such as radiotherapy or following surgery to maximize outcomes.
At KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, we understand that each cancer patient is unique with complex needs. Our team of experienced specialists (oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and nurses) will work with you to discuss a suitable form of treatment for you. We plan a suitable treatment for your cancer type based on a detailed diagnosis. Together, we review all the factors that may affect your treatment to help prevent unexpected health problems and identify your supporting care needed.
What procedures are available at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital?
How many medical staff are there at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital and what accreditations do they have?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic = toxic to cells) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs work by disrupting the way cancer cells grow and divide. Different cancers are treated with different chemotherapy drugs. These drugs can be used singly or in combination depending on the condition being treated.
Chemotherapy treatment can either:
A doctor may recommend chemotherapy:
While chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many patients, its potential side effects due to the damage to healthy cells cause worry and understandable fear to many. Most of its side effects are short term which means that it will go away once treatment is completed.
Types of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be given in several ways. Your doctors will recommend the most suitable type of chemotherapy drug for you.
The most common types are:
You may be treated with one type of chemotherapy medicine or a combination of different types. You’ll usually have several treatment sessions, which will typically be spread over the course of a few months.
Side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy could damage some healthy cells in the body, such as blood cells, skin cells and cells in the stomach.
This can cause a range of discomfort side effects, such as:
Many of these side effects can be treated or prevented and most, if not all, will pass after treatment stops.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Working Together to Fight Cancer
Cancer treatment requires different strategies for treatments. Chemotherapy can be combined with other treatments such as radiotherapy or following surgery to maximize outcomes.
At KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, we understand that each cancer patient is unique with complex needs. Our team of experienced specialists (oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and nurses) will work with you to discuss a suitable form of treatment for you. We plan a suitable treatment for your cancer type based on a detailed diagnosis. Together, we review all the factors that may affect your treatment to help prevent unexpected health problems and identify your supporting care needed.
What procedures are available at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital?
How many medical staff are there at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital and what accreditations do they have?
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