Chemotherapy

Definition

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of many cancerous tissues, but can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, leading to side effects. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as radiation or surgery, to improve patient outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously, orally, or through injections, depending on the specific drugs used and the type of cancer being treated.
2. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection due to its impact on healthy rapidly dividing cells like those in the bone marrow.
3. Chemotherapy can be used as neoadjuvant therapy, meaning it is given before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
4. The effectiveness of chemotherapy depends on various factors including the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual patient's health and response to the drugs.
5. Some cancers are more responsive to chemotherapy than others; for example, leukemias and lymphomas often respond well compared to solid tumors like pancreatic cancer.

Review Questions

• How does chemotherapy differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells during treatment?
  • Chemotherapy primarily targets cells that divide rapidly, which is a common characteristic of cancer cells. However, this approach is not entirely selective as some healthy cells, such as those in the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract, also divide quickly. This lack of selectivity leads to the side effects often associated with chemotherapy, making it important for healthcare providers to balance effective treatment while managing side effects.
• Discuss the role of combination therapy involving chemotherapy and targeted therapies in cancer treatment.
  • Combination therapy often involves using chemotherapy alongside targeted therapies to enhance overall effectiveness against cancer. Chemotherapy can reduce the tumor burden quickly by killing rapidly dividing cells, while targeted therapies focus on specific molecular markers present on cancer cells. This dual approach can lead to improved outcomes by addressing both the general characteristics of cancer cell division and specific vulnerabilities of the tumor, potentially leading to more complete responses and reduced chances of recurrence.
• Evaluate the impact of individualized treatment plans that incorporate chemotherapy on patient outcomes in cancer care.
  • Individualized treatment plans that include chemotherapy can significantly improve patient outcomes by tailoring therapies based on specific tumor characteristics and patient health. By considering factors such as genetic markers, previous treatments, and overall health status, oncologists can better select which chemotherapeutic agents are most likely to be effective for a particular patient. This personalized approach not only aims to maximize efficacy but also strives to minimize harmful side effects, ultimately leading to enhanced quality of life and improved survival rates for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Related terms

Cytotoxic Drugs: These are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells by disrupting their ability to divide and replicate.

Targeted Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to specifically identify and attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Adjuvant Therapy: Treatment given after the primary treatment (like surgery) to reduce the risk of cancer returning, which may include chemotherapy.