Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves using drugs to destroy or slow down the growth of cancerous cells. It is used to cure different types of cancers. Chemotherapy may be performed with surgery or other therapies. The best chemotherapy doctor in Kolkata explains below the advantages of the treatment and how it works.
Chemotherapy targets the cancer cells and prevents them from further spreading. It is used with other treatments like:
- Hormone therapy is performed to prevent the cancer from getting the hormones that help it to grow.
- Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer.
- Targeted therapy changes the growth and behaviour of the cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy can also be used with radiation therapy or surgery.
What are the factors that determine the chemotherapy plan?
An oncologist considers various factors before prescribing chemotherapy. The treatment plan and schedule depend on the following factors:
- The type of cancer patients have.
- It also depends on the cancer stage, which is determined by the size and location of the tumour and the affected areas.
- An oncologist considers the patients’ age and their general health reports.
- The body weight of the patient.
- History of cancer with other health conditions.
How is Chemotherapy delivered?
Chemotherapy can be delivered in various ways:
- Intravenous (IV) Chemotherapy is delivered directly into the vein via an injection.
- Oral Chemotherapy is a process in which medicines are directly administered in the form of a pill, capsule or liquid.
- Chemotherapy can also be given as an injection in the arm, leg or abdomen.
Benefits of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy in cancer has been one of the most effective ways to eliminate cancerous cells and reduce the symptoms. Breaking the cell cycle and blocking the further growth of cancerous cells plays a significant role. Chemotherapy is a systematic process that stops the further spread of cancer to other areas of the body.
This treatment is combined with surgery, radiation therapy or immunotherapy, enhancing the process by targeting cancer cells in different sites. It can also be done before the surgery to shrink the tumour, making its removal easier and eliminating the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapy also acts as a neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy with other treatments to aid long-term survival, relieve cancer symptoms and improve one’s quality of life.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common types of cancer treatment. Reach out to the best chemotherapy doctor in Kolkata, offering comprehensive care and a patient-centric approach to fight against cancer successfully.