Chemotherapy: Types & How They Work

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment using drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It includes several types, such as curative, palliative, and adjuvant chemotherapy. The treatment is administered in stages and works by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Consultation with an oncologist in Bangalore is essential for personalised care and guidance.

Understanding Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cornerstone treatment in cancer care, designed to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth. With advancements in medical science, there are now various types and approaches to chemotherapy tailored to suit different cancer types, stages, and individual patient needs.

It refers to the use of drugs to kill cancer cells by interfering with their ability to grow and divide. Unlike surgery or radiation therapy, which target specific areas, chemotherapy works systemically, reaching cancer cells throughout the body.

Benefits of Chemotherapy:

1. Shrinks Tumours Before Surgery or Radiation Therapy (Neoadjuvant Therapy)

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is administered before surgery or radiation to reduce the size of large tumours. By shrinking the tumour, this approach makes surgical removal easier, less invasive, and more effective. It can also help preserve surrounding healthy tissue and organs, improving overall outcomes.

2. Destroys Remaining Cancer Cells After Primary Treatment (Adjuvant Therapy)

Even after successful surgery or radiation, microscopic cancer cells can remain undetected in the body. Adjuvant chemotherapy targets these residual cells to prevent recurrence and minimise the risk of metastasis. This approach is often used for aggressive cancers with a higher likelihood of spreading.

3. Alleviates Symptoms and Improves Quality of Life (Palliative Chemotherapy)

For advanced-stage cancers that are not curable, palliative chemotherapy focuses on symptom relief. It can reduce pain, control tumour growth, and manage complications caused by cancer. This type of chemotherapy prioritises comfort and helps patients maintain a better quality of life during treatment.

Types of Chemotherapy and How They Work

Curative Chemotherapy

Designed to completely eradicate cancer, curative chemotherapy is often used for cancers detected in early stages. This type of treatment may be combined with surgery or radiation to ensure all cancer cells are destroyed.

Palliative Chemotherapy

When a complete cure isn’t possible, palliative chemotherapy focuses on relieving symptoms and enhancing the patient’s quality of life. It can shrink tumours and ease discomfort caused by advanced cancer.

• Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
• Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered after surgery to eliminate any residual cancer cells.
• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Used before surgery to shrink large tumours, making surgical removal easier.
• Targeted Therapy

Targeted chemotherapy drugs specifically attack cancer cells based on unique molecular markers, leaving healthy cells largely unaffected. This minimises side effects and improves outcomes.

Immunotherapy

Boosts the patient’s immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. It’s particularly effective for cancers linked to specific genetic mutations.

High-dose Chemotherapy

Often combined with stem cell transplants, high-dose chemotherapy is reserved for aggressive cancers that don’t respond to standard treatments.

Stages of Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy is typically delivered in cycles to maximise its effectiveness while allowing the body time to recover.

• Induction Stage: Initial, intensive phase aimed at significantly reducing cancer cells.
• Consolidation Stage: Ensures no remaining cancer cells survive after the induction phase.
• Maintenance Stage: Long-term, lower-dose chemotherapy to prevent relapse.

Each stage is carefully monitored, and adjustments are made based on patient response and side effects.

How Chemotherapy Works

Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic feature of cancer. They interfere with cell division by damaging DNA or disrupting vital cellular processes.

Different Levels of Chemotherapy:

Level 1: Mild Treatments for Slow-Growing Cancers

This level uses low-dose chemotherapy to manage cancers that progress slowly. It minimises side effects, making it ideal for early-stage or less aggressive cases.

Level 2: Moderate-Intensity Therapy

Involving higher doses than Level 1, this therapy is often paired with surgery or radiation. It is effective for cancers requiring a more targeted approach with manageable side effects.

Level 3: High-Dose Treatments for Aggressive Cancers

Designed for fast-growing cancers, this level employs intensive regimens to destroy cancer cells. While effective, it requires close monitoring due to increased side effects.

Level 4: Experimental or Last-Resort Treatments

Used for advanced or resistant cancers, this level includes experimental therapies or clinical trials. It offers innovative options when standard treatments are ineffective.

Effects of Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy is effective in treating cancer, it also affects healthy cells, particularly those that divide rapidly, like hair follicles, bone marrow, and the digestive tract.

Common Side Effects:

• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Increased risk of infections
• Anaemia
• Neuropathy (tingling or numbness in extremities)

Understanding the pros and cons of chemotherapy is crucial for making informed decisions. While it is life-saving, managing side effects and balancing quality of life is equally important.

Chemotherapy Equipment and Administration

Chemotherapy can be administered in various forms, depending on the type and stage of cancer:

• Intravenous (IV): Delivered through a vein using a drip or infusion pump.
• Oral: Taken as pills or capsules.
• Topical: Applied to the skin for certain cancers.
• Injection: Delivered directly into the tumour or surrounding area.

Hospitals use advanced chemotherapy equipment like infusion pumps, ports, and catheters to ensure precise drug delivery.

When to See a Doctor?

If you are diagnosed with cancer or notice persistent symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or lumps, consult an oncologist in Bangalore at SPARSH. Specialised care ensures access to advanced treatments and customised chemotherapy plans for optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy remains one of the most effective cancer treatments available. With various types and levels, it is tailored to the patient’s condition, providing hope and extending lives. Though it may come with side effects, ongoing advancements in medicine ensure better management and improved quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

If you or a loved one is considering chemotherapy, consult an experienced oncologist at SPARSH, a leading cancer hospital in Bangalore, to explore the best treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of chemotherapy are there?

There are multiple types, including curative, palliative, adjuvant, neoadjuvant, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, each designed for specific treatment goals.

What are the 4 levels of chemotherapy?

The levels include mild (Level 1), moderate (Level 2), high-dose (Level 3), and experimental or advanced (Level 4) therapies, depending on the cancer’s aggressiveness.

Which chemotherapy is the best?

The “best” chemotherapy depends on the type, stage, and progression of cancer, as well as individual patient factors.

What is 4 cycle chemotherapy?

This refers to chemotherapy administered in four distinct cycles, allowing the body to recover between treatments while maximising its effectiveness.