Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment for cancer. The patient is given medication (cytostatics) to kill the cancer cells. Whether and to what extent side effects occur depends on the medication used and the dosage. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic measures.
To prevent cancer cells from multiplying and spreading, doctors use certain active substances known as cytostatics.
Cytostatic drugs only affect cells that divide frequently. Due to their growth-inhibiting effect, specialists use cytostatic drugs on cancer cells. Healthy cells divide only rarely or not at all and are therefore insensitive to cytostatic drugs.
Cells of the mucous membranes and hair roots also divide frequently. This is why chemotherapy often leads to hair loss.
Known side effects are
Nausea and vomiting can now be well controlled with medication. Late damage to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys or nervous system is observed, but is rare.
Whether and to what extent side effects occur depends primarily on the medication used and the dosage. Personal attitudes towards chemotherapy can also influence the severity of the side effects.
The patient usually receives cytostatic drugs as an infusion @ Seventyfour /AdobeStock
The dosage and type of application are based on tried and tested regimens. Depending on the time and goal, a distinction is made between
The aims of palliative chemotherapy are
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy with your doctor. Ask the doctor to inform you about possible side effects before starting therapy.
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