Chemotherapy in Turkey

Discover Chemotherapy in Turkey

Chemotherapy, a powerful drug treatment, is used to kill rapidly growing cells in the body, primarily cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat various types of cancer. However, it also carries the risk of side effects, ranging from mild and treatable to more serious complications.

The purposes of chemotherapy in cancer treatment include:

  1. Curative treatment: Chemotherapy can be used as the primary or sole treatment to cure cancer.
  2. Adjuvant therapy: It may be used after other treatments like surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
  3. Neoadjuvant therapy: Chemotherapy can shrink tumors before other treatments like radiation or surgery.
  4. Palliative chemotherapy: It may help relieve cancer symptoms by killing some cancer cells.

Besides cancer, chemotherapy drugs have been found useful in treating other conditions such as bone marrow diseases and certain immune system disorders. 

How Does
Chemotherapy Work?

Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cell division process, preventing cancer cells from growing and multiplying. These drugs can be administered in different ways, such as intravenous infusions, pills, injections, creams, or localized delivery to specific areas or tumors. The choice of chemotherapy drugs depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, overall health, previous treatments, and patient preferences.

Why is Chemotherapy Preferred?

Cancer patients receive chemotherapy to eradicate their cancerous cells.
Patients with cancer may get chemotherapy in a number of contexts, including:

To treat cancer exclusively with medication: Chemotherapy might be the mainstay or the only cancer treatment.

To eliminate latent cancer cells following various therapies: Following previous treatments, such surgery, chemotherapy can be used to eradicate any cancer cells that might still be present in the body. This is known by doctors as adjuvant therapy.

To get the patient ready for further medical procedures: A tumor can be made smaller by chemotherapy, making room for more therapies like radiation and surgery. We refer to this as neoadjuvant therapy.

To reduce symptoms: Chemotherapy reduces some cancer cells, which may help with cancer signs and symptoms. This is known by doctors as palliative chemotherapy.

What are the Side
Effects of
Chemotherapy?

Common side effects of chemotherapy drugs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, mouth sores, pain, constipation, easy bruising, and bleeding. Many of these side effects can be managed and usually subside after treatment ends.

Chemotherapy drugs can also cause long-lasting and late-developing side effects, such as damage to lung tissue, heart problems, infertility, kidney problems, nerve damage, and an increased risk of developing a second cancer. It’s important to discuss potential late side effects with your doctor and be aware of any symptoms that may signal a problem.

Chemotherapy vs. Radiation: Exploring Treatment Approaches

In cancer treatment, both chemotherapy and radiation therapy play vital roles. While chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to target cancer cells throughout the body, radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in a specific area. The choice between chemotherapy and radiation therapy depends on various factors, including cancer type, stage, location, and treatment goals. Collaborating with healthcare professionals can help determine the most suitable treatment approach for each patient.

How to Prepare for Chemotherapy?

Preparing for chemotherapy involves following specific instructions from your doctor, which may include surgical insertion of a device for intravenous chemotherapy, undergoing tests to ensure readiness for treatment, dental check-ups, planning for side effects, and making arrangements for assistance at home and work.

Chemotherapy Drugs
and Other Processes

The choice of chemotherapy drugs depends on factors like the type and stage of cancer, overall health, previous treatments, and patient preferences. Chemotherapy can be administered through infusions, pills, injections, creams, or directly to a specific area or tumor.

The frequency of chemotherapy treatments varies based on the drugs used, cancer characteristics, and individual recovery. Treatments can be continuous or include rest periods to allow for recovery. Chemotherapy treatments can be received in outpatient units, doctor’s offices, hospitals, or even at home when taking oral medications.

During chemotherapy, regular meetings with an oncologist are held to discuss any side effects and make necessary adjustments. Scans and tests may also be conducted to monitor the cancer’s response to treatment.

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