Chemotherapy Side Effects Management

Chemotherapy treats numerous types of cancer effectively. But like other treatments, it often causes side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy can change person to person. They rely on the type of cancer, location, medications and dose, and your overall health. Chemotherapy treatment works on live cells. Live cells are cells that are growing and dividing into more additional of the same type of cell. Chemotherapy Side Effects Management Cancer cells are live, but so are some healthy cells. These retain cells in your blood, mouth, digestive system, and hair follicles. When chemotherapy damages these healthy cells, side effects occur. Can side effects be treated? Yes it can be treated. Cancer specialists in Pune Dr. Pratik Patil can help you to prevent or treat several side effects. Today, many more drugs are available. Controlling and treating side effects is called palliative care or supportive care. It is also an important part of cancer treatment. Doctors and scientists work continuously to develop drugs, drug blends, and ways of giving remedies with fewer side effects. Many kinds of chemotherapy are easier to endure than they were a few years ago. Common side effects of chemotherapy: Various drugs result in different side effects. Specific types of chemotherapy often have distinct side effects. But each person’s experience is dissimilar. Tell your doctor about all the side effects you detect. For most types of chemotherapy, side effects do not show how well the medicine is working.

What is chemotherapy daycare? Chemotherapy is normally given in an outpatient setting known as a chemotherapy daycare. The day-care unit will cater to patients who are obtaining infusions over a short period (generally 2-6 hours). Chemo is distributed in cycles depending on the type of cancer, the goal of therapy, and the way the body is responding. Chemotherapy treatments may be given daily, weekly, or monthly but are normally given in 3 weekly cycles. Chemotherapy Daycare How is chemotherapy given? Most chemotherapy is given straight into the bloodstream through an intravenous catheter. Intravenous drugs may be given in various ways: Direct IV (intravenous) push. Quick administration of chemo treatment via a syringe over a few minutes. Infusion therapy can last from a few minutes to a few hours. This could be a combination of medications that are given in a controlled intake through a pump. Steady infusion given via a pump can last from 1 to 7 days. Constant chemo treatment can damage veins, therefore, chemotherapy can be given through various methods. Central venous catheters are bigger than IV catheters and therefore can be put in larger veins. This eradicates repeated poking due to intravenous catheters as the central venous catheters are indwelling for a longer duration (6months – 1 year). There are different types of central venous catheters(chemo ports) that are inserted either in the chest or arm. Other Routes of chemotherapy administration: By mouth: chemo which can take in a pill, capsule, or even a liquid. The exact dose must be taken at the right time. Intrathecal (IT): IT chemo is provided in the spinal canal so that chemo can reach the brain and the spinal cord. Intra-arterial: chemo is given straight into an artery which would be supplying blood to the tumor Intracavitary: chemo drugs that are given into a confined area of the body such as the chest or abdomen. Intramuscular: given straight into the muscle tissue Topical: used on the skin in the form of a cream, gel, or ointment. During and after (48 hours) of chemotherapy daycare: Nutrition is essential for post-chemotherapy. Small regular feeds are needed to support the body’s repair. Usually, there may be nausea and vomiting for which the doctor will specify medicines. As much as possible the patient should get back to his daily routine activities with adequate periods of rest Patients must avoid any kind of contact sports to stop injury and bleeding. Flush the washroom twice after it is used. Always keep the cover down whenever flushing If contact with a patient’s body fluid is necessary, a caretaker should wear two gloves and must clean their hands carefully twice with soap or handwash. Any clothes or linen which have body fluids on them should be washed in the washing machine. There can be hair loss as a side effect of chemotherapy. This hair loss is usually reversible.

What is immunotherapy? Immunotherapy is a type of treatment developed to boost the body’s immune system to help oppose certain types of diseases. Also defined as biologic therapy, it is mainly designed for cancer treatment using organic or synthetic substances to prevent the spread of cancer cells. It also enhances the function of the immune system, specifically in targeting carcinogenic cells and quashing certain immune reactions. Immunotherapy in Pune The body’s first line of defense is the immune system, where component cells and substances work together to kill different pathogens and foreign bodies that generate infections and diseases. Cancer cells, however, are not foreign bodies but are earlier healthy cells that unexpectedly alter and grow, making it hard for the immune system to notice, track, and attack them. Aside from cancer, immunotherapy is also used to treat severe allergic disorders and autoimmune diseases as well as control organ rejection for organ transplant patients. There are many types of immunotherapy including monoclonal antibodies, T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, and non-specific immunotherapy, among others. New approaches are consistently being developed to continually address a wide range of cancer types and other medical needs.