Chemotherapy is an aggressive type of cancer therapy with the goal of destroying rapidly growing cancer cells in the body.<\/p>\n
A healthy body replaces cells in a controlled manner through a process of dividing and growing. However, when cancer occurs, the cells tend to reproduce in an uncontrolled manner. As the body is producing more cells than required, the newly produced cells start to occupy the space of the useful cells. Chemotherapy interferes with the cancer\u2019s cells ability to rapidly divide and produce.<\/p>\n
Chemotherapy drugs are primarily used to:<\/p>\n
An oncologist (a doctor that specializes in cancer treatment) may recommend chemotherapy in different scenarios such as:<\/p>\n
Apart from cancer treatment, chemotherapy can be used to prepare patients with bone marrow conditions for a bone marrow stem cell treatment. It can also be used for immune system disorders. Much lower doses than those used for cancer treatment may be used to treat diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n
There are different types of chemotherapy, and these include:<\/p>\n
Factors that determine the type of chemotherapy a patient will use and how well it\u2019ll work are:<\/p>\n
Chemotherapy is a treatment that is designed to kill cells that divide at a fast rate. However, there are other cells in our body that also do this hence they can be adversely affected by chemotherapy. They are cells in the following areas:<\/p>\n
Due to this, the side effects of chemotherapy include:<\/p>\n
Most of the side effects of chemotherapy usually subside when the treatment is over. However, there is some risk of developing long-lasting effects, which can develop even years after the treatment depending on the type of chemotherapy administered.<\/p>\n
These long-lasting side effects could affect the:<\/p>\n
There is also a chance that a patient can develop a second cancer once the chemotherapy has ended.<\/p>\n
The oncologist will make plans with the patient, which will specify the treatment sessions and how many they\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n
The course of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and can range from a single dose to a few weeks\u2019 treatment. Patients who need more than one course of treatment usually take a rest period to allow their body to recover.<\/p>\n
Blood tests are usually done before the treatment to ensure the patient will be able to cope with the possible side effects.<\/p>\n
Chemotherapy is typically given directly into the vein by IV or injection or in pill form. There are other forms in which chemotherapy can be administered and these include:<\/p>\n
In some cases, the medication can be taken at home, such as pills, but regular hospital visits to monitor the progress of the treatment will still be needed.<\/p>\n
It is important to tell your oncologist about any side effects or treatment related problems you may be having so that if necessary, adjustments can be made to your treatment.<\/p>\n
At King\u2019s College Hospital Dubai, we focus on offering an exemplary service. From initial consultation through to final diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team of expert doctors and nurses, and technologists led by\u00a0Dr Shabeeha K Rana<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 With an impressive to 20+ years experience, including highly prestigious hospitals as Royal Marsden Hospital, University Hospitals Nottingham, University Hospital Birmingham and Kings College Hospital London in the UK of clinical experience, are here to offer tailored management and treatment of your condition, and to answer any questions that you may have throughout your time with us. Whatever you need us for, we\u2019re only a phone call away.<\/p>\n If you have any additional questions or need more information about Chemotherapy, please visit Kings Cancer Centre<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":4556,"menu_order":5,"template":"","service-category":[],"class_list":["post-6979","service","type-service","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t