Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the systemic treatments that uses anticancer (cytostatic) drugs to kill, stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. "Systemic" means that the drugs circulate throughout the body and have different mechanisms of action on malignant cells.

Depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease, chemotherapy can cure, control the development of, or help relieve the symptoms caused by cancer.

When is chemotherapy used?

Sometimes, when the disease is advanced, chemotherapy may be the only treatment option, and sometimes chemotherapy is used to supplement another stage of cancer treatment:

• shrinking the tumor before surgery or radiation therapy;
• Destroying any residual cancer cells that may potentially remain in your body after the initial stage of treatment (for example, after surgery);
• treating cancer that has spread (metastasized) or recurred.
• enhancement of the effect of radiation therapy (in the case of chemoradiotherapy);
• alleviating or reducing the intensity of cancer symptoms by shrinking tumors (pain, dysfunction of a neighboring organ, etc.).

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Since chemotherapy often works by attacking malignant cells, in addition to malignant cells, it can also harm healthy cells. Damage to healthy cells can lead to side effects during or after treatment.

The most common side effects during chemotherapy are

• nausea and vomiting
• general weakness
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea or constipation;
• changes in blood test results;
• hair loss.

How is chemotherapy administered?

Most often, chemotherapy is administered intravenously or orally (orally) in the form of tablets or capsules.

It is important to note that if the patient receives chemotherapy intravenously, the doctor may recommend installing a special device - a port system for long-term intravenous infusions, which is implanted under the skin on the front chest wall. This device can be safely left in place for a long time if necessary. The doctor explains in detail all the advantages and disadvantages of the port system and answers all questions so that the patient can make an informed decision about the installation of this device.

Depending on the chemotherapy regimen the patient receives, one course can last from a few minutes to several days, but most often chemotherapy courses do not require hospitalization and stay in the hospital. Patients can continue treatment at home.

Chemotherapy can be difficult and time-consuming, so we strive to create a regimen and schedule that is most comfortable for patients. How often and for how long a patient will receive chemotherapy depends on the subtype of cancer, the stage of the disease, the medications they receive, and the body's response to treatment.

At the Dobrobut Oncology Center, we provide chemotherapy courses at two locations

• 3 Family Idzikowsky St. (right bank)
• 12A Mykoly Bazhana Ave. (left bank)

We have introduced a special Oncology Care and Personal Support Service, which provides support and assistance to patients and their loved ones throughout the entire treatment path.

You can contact the manager of the Care and Personal Support Service by calling:

+38 (067) 390 58 88 - (Mon-Fri from 08:00 to 18:00)