Chemotherapy

What does chemotherapy mean?

Chemotherapy is a drug therapy aimed at destroying cancerous cells as a result of its effects on cell division. Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer according to the type and stage of the cancer, prevent its spread, slow its growth, destroy cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body, or improve cancer-related symptoms. Curious questions and answers about chemotherapy…

1. Which cancers is chemotherapy used to treat?

Chemotherapy is used for almost all types of cancer. However, in recent years, immunotherapy (drugs that activate the immune system against the tumor), targeted therapies, or smart drugs called; kidney cancer, melanoma and has taken the place of chemotherapy in some cancers such as chronic myeloid leukemia. In this type of cancer, targeted drugs or immunotherapy are used at the forefront. In some types of cancer, on the other hand, targeted drugs or immunotherapy are given together with chemotherapy Decontamination.

2. How is chemotherapy taken?

Chemotherapy is often taken through a vein. In addition, there are also chemotherapies administered by mouth and rarely in the form of intramusc November injections. Depending on the condition and location of the disease, it can sometimes also be applied to the abdominal cavity, into the lung membrane and into the bladder.

3. How long does a chemotherapy session take?

Each chemotherapy drug has a different duration of administration. This period may be as short as 1-2 minutes, or it may last up to 2-5 days depending on the medication given. The number of medications also affects the duration of treatment. According to the protocol, a single drug can be given, or 2-4 drugs can be given together. Dec. The total duration of treatment may take at least 4 sessions (3 months) or up to 1-2 years, depending on the protocol.

4. What is hot chemotherapy? For which types of cancer is it applied?

Ovarian cancer that spread into the abdomen, the appendix, colon cancer, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in some patients, all tumor masses surgery (cytoreduction) was removed as after a heated chemotherapy into the abdomen of disease is microscopic (invisible) the treatment can be done. This type of treatment can increase the success of treatment in appropriate patients. However, not every patient is suitable for this treatment.

5. What are the side effects of chemotherapy? Are the side effects of all medications the same?

There are a large number of chemotherapy drugs, and the side effects of all of them are different from each other. Most side effects are temporary. The most common side effects are hair loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, formation of canker sores in the mouth, a fall in blood values and hence an increase in the risk of infection, change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation), dry skin, nail changes. By permanently affecting reproductive functions, it can cause consequences such as early menopause, infertility. These side effects are not seen in every patient. Apart from the common side effects, there may be side effects that affect different organs specific to the drug.

6. What can be done to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy? What can be done specifically for nausea?

Most of the side effects today are preventable. With proper nutrition, adequate fluid intake, good oral care, rest in case of weakness, compliance with standard cleaning rules, side effects, most of which are short-term, can be prevented or their severity can be reduced. With the correct use of modern anti-nausea drugs, nausea and vomiting are rarely seen anymore. Eating little and often, consuming food warm, not consuming too fatty foods is beneficial in reducing nausea. It is important to use the medications prescribed by the doctor as recommended to prevent side effects. Any medication that the doctor does not prescribe, including vitamins and nutritional supplements, should not be taken. Because these vitamins and nutritional supplements can interact with medications and lead to the neutralization of chemotherapy or increased side effects, sometimes causing organ damage.

7. Is there a fever after chemotherapy?

There may be an increased risk of infection due to low leukocyte (white blood cell) levels in chemotherapy areas. The period in which the decrease in leukocyte values is greatest is between the 7th and 10th days after chemotherapy. Dec. During this period, the risk of developing an infection increases, and people associated with it may develop a fever. In this case, antibiotic treatment should be given urgently. Rarely, fever may also occur for reasons other than infection.

8. What can be done for mouth sores of those undergoing chemotherapy?

The best way to prevent mouth sores in people is to take good oral care. In order to prevent food residues from remaining in the mouth and causing canker sores, it is necessary to brush the teeth with a soft toothbrush after eating and to make mouthwashes that are often recommended. It is also useful not to consume too hot food and drinks.

9. How does chemotherapy affect psychology?

There are many factors that affect the psychological state of people during treatment. Newly diagnosed patients, concerns about the treatment process, concerns about the future economic and social role changes, dependence on others concerns, disease-related complaints such as chemotherapy side effects that can occur due to the presence of pain, psychological status may affect. In order to prevent and correct this, the social support that a person will receive from family and friends is important. Maintaining the usual daily life as much as possible during the treatment process has a positive effect on psychology. Psychological support should definitely be taken in case of need.

10. What should a person pay attention to in his daily life while receiving chemotherapy? For example, how should it be fed?

It is recommended that people continue their usual daily lives as much as possible. If the side effects are not causing obstacles, people can continue working. The continuation of your social life positively affects the chemotherapy process. It is important not to be in crowded environments during periods when blood values will be low, and to stay away from people with infections. Proper nutrition is important for maintaining body resistance and reducing side effects. The most suitable nutrition is Mediterranean type nutrition. Mediterranean type of diet is to prefer liquid fat (especially olive oil) instead of solid, consume vegetables and fruits in season and in abundance, restrict the consumption of red meat, consume poultry or fish, consume milk and dairy products, cereals and nuts, nuts, walnuts and almonds, such as nuts, oilseeds. It is recommended to consume the juice of fruits as a whole instead of drinking it, because the most valuable parts of fruits are the fiber-containing parts. Differences can be made in the diet for side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation. Consuming plenty of fluids is very important to facilitate its excretion from the body after the treatment has shown its effect and to prevent it from causing kidney damage.

11. When do the effects of chemotherapy go away?

The duration of action of each chemotherapy is different. The effects of chemotherapy usually last 3-4 weeks, sometimes extending up to 6 weeks. The duration of the side effects also varies depending on both the chemotherapy and the type of side effects. For example, complaints such as weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation improve after the first week, while it takes 3-4 weeks after chemotherapy is completed for the hair loss to start growing again. Decreases in blood values (such as leukocytes, platelets) due to chemotherapy usually return to normal within 10-14.

12. What is the difference between chemotherapy and radiation therapy? Dec.

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment. Radiation therapy is a treatment performed using ionizing radiation. Chemotherapy drugs are mixed into the blood, distributed throughout the body and have an effect on the entire body. In this way, it is effective in preventing the spread of the tumor to other organs or in the treatment of metastasized (spread) tumors. Radiation therapy, on the other hand, is applied to a certain area and its effect is seen only in this area. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used alone in the treatment of cancer, or they can also be used together consecutively or simultaneously.