Basic Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a standard cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other methods, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Key Points:
Mechanism: Chemotherapy drugs target fast-growing cancer cells, disrupting their ability to divide and grow. Unfortunately, they also affect healthy fast-growing cells, leading to side effects.
Types of Chemotherapy:
- Alkylating Agents: Damage DNA directly to prevent cancer cells from reproducing (e.g., cyclophosphamide).
- Antimetabolites: Mimic DNA/RNA building blocks, interfering with cancer cell growth (e.g., methotrexate).
- Anti-Tumor Antibiotics: Bind with DNA and inhibit RNA synthesis, preventing cell growth (e.g., doxorubicin).
- Plant Alkaloids: Block cell division by interfering with microtubules (e.g., vincristine).
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Disrupt enzymes involved in DNA replication (e.g., irinotecan).
Administration: Can be given in cycles, with rest periods in between to allow the body to recover. Methods include intravenous (IV) injection, oral pills, intramuscular injection, or direct placement in specific body areas.
Side Effects: Due to its effect on healthy cells, chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, anemia, increased infection risk, and mouth sores. Side effects vary depending on the drug and individual patient.
Combination Therapy: Often used in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy to increase effectiveness.
Goals of Chemotherapy:
- Curative: Aim to completely eradicate cancer.
- Control: Shrink tumors and slow cancer progression.
- Palliative: Relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer stages.
Advancements: Research is ongoing to develop new drugs with fewer side effects and to better personalize chemotherapy based on genetic profiles
