Did you know that chemotherapy remains one of the most effective cancer treatment methods? It uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop them from multiplying. Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, chemotherapy can be used in different ways to achieve specific treatment goals. Here’s a detailed look at how chemotherapy works and the types of chemotherapy administered.

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

Cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. Chemotherapy targets these cells, destroying them or preventing them from multiplying further in a cancer patient. Your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy for various purposes, including:

  1. Adjuvant therapy: Used after surgery or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
  1. Curative therapy: Combines chemotherapy with other treatments (like surgery or radiation) to eliminate the cancer and prevent its return.
  1. Neo-adjuvant therapy: Administered before surgery or radiation to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove or treat.
  1. Palliative therapy: Focuses on shrinking tumors and alleviating symptoms to improve the patient’s quality of life, even if the cancer cannot be cured.

Types of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are categorized based on how they attack cancer cells. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Alkylating Agents

These drugs damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. They are commonly used to treat cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma and solid tumors like breast cancer. Examples include cyclophosphamide and cisplatin.

Antimetabolites

Antimetabolites mimic the building blocks of DNA and RNA, tricking cancer cells into incorporating them, which disrupts their ability to divide. They are often used to treat breast, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers. Common examples include methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Antitumor Antibiotics

These drugs interfere with the enzymes responsible for DNA replication in cancer cells. They are used to treat various cancers, including lung and breast cancer. Examples include doxorubicin and bleomycin.

Plant Alkaloids (Mitotic Inhibitors)

These drugs are derived from natural plant sources and block cancer cells from dividing during mitosis. They are effective in treating breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. Examples include paclitaxel and vinblastine.

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

These drugs interfere with topoisomerase enzymes that cancer cells need to replicate DNA. They are commonly used for colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancers. Examples include irinotecan and etoposide.

Targeted Therapy Drugs

Targeted therapies are a newer type of treatment that focuses specifically on molecules involved in cancer cell growth. These drugs often have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Examples include trastuzumab and imatinib.

How Is Chemotherapy Administered?

Chemotherapy can be delivered in different ways, depending on the cancer type and treatment plan:

  1. Intravenous (IV): Delivered directly into the bloodstream.
  2. Oral: Taken as pills or capsules.
  3. Injection: Administered into a muscle or under the skin.
  4. Topical: Applied to the skin for certain types of skin cancer.
  5. Intraperitoneal or Intrathecal: Delivered directly into the abdominal cavity or spinal fluid for specific cancers.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, offering hope and recovery to countless patients. Its effectiveness lies in selecting the correct type of drug and tailoring it to the patient’s condition. Consulting an experienced chemotherapy doctor in Kolkata ensures a personalized and comprehensive approach to cancer care.

Understanding the types of chemotherapy and how they work can help patients and their families feel more confident about their treatment journey.