Chemotherapy in oncology is the medical treatment of malignant cancerous tumors, aimed at destroying or slowing the growth of cancer cells with the help of special drugs, cytostatics. Treatment of cancer with chemotherapy occurs systematically according to a certain scheme, which is selected individually. Typically, the chemotherapy regimens of tumors consist of several courses of taking certain combinations of drugs with pauses between doses, to restore damaged tissues of the body.
There are several types of chemotherapy that differ in the purpose of the appointment:
- neoadjuvant chemotherapy of tumors is prescribed before surgery, in order to reduce the inoperable tumor for surgery, as well as to identify the sensitivity of cancer cells to drugs for further administration after surgery.
- adjuvant chemotherapy is prescribed after surgical treatment to prevent metastasis and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Treatment chemotherapy is prescribed to reduce metastatic cancer.
Depending on the location and type of tumor, chemotherapy is prescribed according to different schemes and has its own characteristics.
Chemotherapy for cancer
Chemotherapy for breast cancer can be performed before and after the operation, which significantly reduces the risk of further relapse. But neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer has its drawbacks, because it tightens the surgical treatment and makes it difficult to determine receptors for hormones (progesterone and estrogen), it also makes it difficult to determine the type of tumor. The result of the chosen scheme of chemotherapy with such an oncology is already visible for 2 months, which allows, if necessary, to correct the treatment. In some cases, chemotherapy may not have the desired effect, so other methods of treatment, such as hormone therapy, may be prescribed. There is also induction chemotherapy for breast cancer, the purpose of which is to reduce the size of the tumor for surgery.
Chemotherapy for cancer of the uterus, ovary and breast can be combined with hormone therapy in hormone-dependent tumors, that is, in cases where human hormones contribute to the growth of a cancerous tumor.
Chemotherapy for lung cancer plays a special role, since the disease is diagnosed in most cases in an inoperable stage, after metastasis of the mediastinal lymph nodes. The development of lung cancer after chemotherapy can be suspended, which improves quality and prolongs life. A major role in the appointment and success of treatment is played by the category of the disease (non-small cell or small cell cancer).
Chemotherapy for liver cancer is used only as an additional method of treatment. This is due to the low sensitivity of liver cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
Chemotherapy for cancer of the stomach, rectum and intestines is often combined with radiation therapy, which in many cases allows for better results. When the stomach cancer is being descended, chemotherapy can increase the survival time by almost half.
Chemotherapy in oncology is associated with a variety of side effects, both temporary and prolonged. The fact is that the action of drugs for chemotherapy is aimed at combating cancer cells, but at the same time they significantly affect the vital activity of healthy cells, and they call for strong intoxication of the body. In each situation, the risk of side effects of drugs is compared with the expected result, and only then is a decision made about choosing a chemotherapy regimen for oncology. With certain reactions of the body to chemotherapy drugs, it may be necessary to stop treatment or change the scheme, so you need to inform
As a result of numerous studies in the field of cancers, improvements appear every year to increase the survival rate and the quality of life of patients. According to the latest data, safe preparations for chemotherapy are being developed, allowing to destroy cancer cells without affecting healthy tissues. Existing methods of chemotherapy in many cases can significantly reduce tumors, prevent relapse and metastasis after surgical treatment.