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Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to
kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma
are given by injection into a vein (intravenous). Doctors are also studying the
effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitry
chemotherapy).
Answers to some of the
most Frequently Asked Questions about radiotherapy are given below
Question: What is Chemotherapy?
Ans: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer or
'cytotoxic' drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth
of cancer cells. As they circulate in the blood, they can reach cancer cells
wherever they are in your body. So unlike radiotherapy, chemotherapy
treats the whole body. Doctors call this a 'systemic' treatment, because
it treats your whole system.
You may have chemotherapy for mesothelioma alongside surgery and radiotherapy,
as a combined treatment. This approach gives the best control of
mesothelioma. Even if your mesothelioma is not suitable for surgery,
chemotherapy may help you to feel better. But of course, you have to be
fit enough to get through the chemo and you will need to talk this over with
your cancer specialist.
Question: How is Chemotherapy performed?
Chemotherapy is
usually given into a vein, either through a drip, or as an injection straight
into the bloodstream. Treatment can be with a single drug or several
chemotherapy drugs together.
A course of chemotherapy is made up of a number of cycles. Drugs are
given over a few days. Then there is a break of a few weeks to allow your
body to recover from the effects of the chemotherapy drugs. Then
another cycle begins. The number of cycles you have depends on
·
Which drugs you are having
·
The stage of your mesothelioma
·
The results of your tests
· How the mesothelioma responds to the treatment
Most of the treatment is given in out patients, although with some drugs
you may have to stay in hospital for a day or two. This is usually
either because you need to have a drip over several days. Or it may be
because you need to have other treatment alongside, such as extra fluids
through a drip.
Question:
What
Parts of the Body Are Affected by Chemotherapy ?
Ans:. Cells in your hair and bone marrow (can
cause hair loss and a tired feeling) are
severely affected. Certain Cells of the skin and mouth (can cause sores in your
mouth, and dry skin and hair) are also killed by chemotherapy. Cells in your
stomach and intestines (can cause you to feel nauseated) .
Question: What is the cost involved in undergoing Chemotherapy?
Ans: The cost
of chemotherapy depends on a lot of things, such as the kinds of drugs used and
how often you take them. You can ask about the cost and where to get help in
paying for chemotherapy if you need it. If you have medical insurance, check to
see if it pays for chemotherapy. You may also want to ask a social worker at
your local hospital to help you look into payment through government programs,
such as Medicare and Medicaid, or other agencies.
Question: What are the side effects of taking radiation
treatment?
Ans: Chemotherapy lowers your white blood cell count, which can
lower your resistance to infections. If your bone marrow cannot make enough
platelets, you may bleed too much, even from small cuts. If your platelet count
is very low, you will need to be very careful to avoid any cuts or bruises.
Even brushing your teeth with a brush that has hard bristles could cause your
gums to bleed, so you may need a special toothbrush. Cells in your hair, skin,
mouth and gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) can be affected by chemotherapy.
This can result in hair loss, sores in your mouth, dry skin, nausea, and
vomiting.
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