Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer
Various treatment options are available for blood cancer. The specific treatment recommended by your healthcare providers will be influenced by the type of blood cancer diagnosed, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
You may undergo a single treatment or a combination of several. Individuals with a slowly progressing form of blood cancer may not require immediate treatment.
This section provides an overview of the chemotherapy treatment modalities for blood cancer. Additionally, you may find it beneficial to explore our general information regarding the planning of blood cancer treatment and the management of your care.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a form of treatment for cancer that employs potent medications to eliminate rapidly dividing cells within the body.
Blood cancers typically originate in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue responsible for producing blood cells.
Both blood cells and cancer cells proliferate at an accelerated rate. This shared characteristic renders chemotherapy drugs a primary option for treating blood cancers.
Chemotherapy is administered through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body, often via an intravenous (IV) line. Certain types of chemotherapy may also be provided in the form of pills or injections beneath the skin.
Medical professionals utilize chemotherapy not only to combat cancer but also to alleviate its symptoms. For example, chemotherapy can assist in reducing the size of tumors that induce discomfort.
Chemotherapy for Blood Cancers
Chemotherapy for blood cancer may be administered in either oral or injectable forms, depending on the specific type and stage of the disease.
Typically, chemotherapy is delivered in cycles, interspersed with rest periods that allow the patient’s body to recuperate and regain strength. The cost of chemotherapy for blood cancer in India usually ranges between 850 USD to 2000 USD per cycle.
In certain cases, physicians may prescribe chemotherapy in conjunction with radiation therapy and steroids to effectively manage blood cancer and associated tumors. Additionally, some treatment regimens incorporate chemotherapy alongside stem cell transplants to restore blood-forming cells that have been compromised by the chemotherapy.
How Chemotherapy Treat Blood Cancers?
Chemotherapy is employed in various manners at different stages to effectively eliminate cancer from the body.
- Patients may receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgical intervention or radiation therapy to decrease tumor size.
- Following surgery or radiation therapy, patients may undergo adjuvant chemotherapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy can also be utilized as an independent treatment, especially in cases of Leukemia, Lymphoma, or Myeloma.
- Additionally, it is applied to manage recurrent cancer, which occurs when residual cancer cells begin to replicate.
How Long Does Chemotherapy Take?
Chemotherapy treatment is typically administered over a defined period, such as six months or one year. However, in certain instances, patients may continue the treatment for as long as it remains effective.
It is crucial to understand that the daily use of these medications can lead to various side effects. Physicians often recommend administering these drugs with scheduled breaks, allowing the body to rest and recuperate prior to the subsequent treatment. This approach facilitates the healing of healthy cells within the body.
For instance, a patient may receive a chemotherapy dose on the first day, followed by a recovery period of three weeks before the next treatment session. Each three-week interval is referred to as a treatment cycle, and multiple cycles constitute a complete course of chemotherapy. Typically, a course lasts for three months or longer.
Certain cancers may be treated with shorter recovery times between cycles, known as a dose-dense schedule. While this method can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for specific cancers, it also carries a heightened risk of side effects. It is essential to consult with your healthcare team to determine the most appropriate schedule for your treatment.
Precautions for Blood Cancer Patients To Undergo Chemotherapy
Nowadays many healthcare professionals consistently strive to reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy, and implement extra measures for individuals who are at elevated risk:
- Elderly patients, frequently experience greater challenges in tolerating treatments.
- Pregnant women, who ideally should give birth prior to commencing treatment or receive only specific medications during designated trimesters.
- Younger patients, who generally exhibit a better response to and tolerance of chemotherapy compared to adults, yet are still in a phase of growth.
- Additionally, healthcare professionals administer medications to accelerate the recovery of white blood cells following chemotherapy, thereby minimizing the risk of infection.
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What Are The Side Effects of Chemotherapy For Blood Cancer
Chemotherapy not only targets cancer cells but also impacts normal cells, which can result in various side effects. The nature and severity of these side effects depend on the specific chemotherapy regimen administered.
Common side effects include:
– Fatigue
– Hair loss
– Nausea and vomiting
– Increased susceptibility to bruising and bleeding
– Risk of infection
– Decreased blood cell counts
– Loss of appetite
– Constipation or diarrhea
– Oral sores
– Changes in mood
– Cognitive difficulties often referred to as “chemo brain”
It is important to note that not all patients will experience every side effect, and the intensity of these effects can differ significantly among individuals.
In cases where side effects become difficult to manage, a brief hospitalization may be necessary. Chemotherapy can be administered on either an outpatient or inpatient basis, contingent upon the specific diagnosis of blood cancer.
Your healthcare team will provide information regarding potential side effects prior to the commencement of treatment, ensuring you are aware of what to monitor. They will also closely observe any side effects throughout and following the treatment process.
Also Read:- Top 10 Chemotherapy Hospitals in India
