Chemotherapy

Definition

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. This approach can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, like surgery and radiation, and is essential in managing various types of cancers, especially leukemias and lymphomas, which originate from blood-forming tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the specific drugs used and the type of cancer being treated.
2. It often affects not just cancer cells but also other rapidly dividing cells in the body, which can lead to side effects like hair loss and gastrointestinal issues.
3. The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and response to the drugs.
4. Combination chemotherapy uses multiple drugs to increase effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of resistance from cancer cells.
5. Regular monitoring during chemotherapy is crucial to manage side effects and adjust treatment plans based on the patient’s response.

Review Questions

• How does chemotherapy specifically target cancer cells while also affecting normal cells?
  • Chemotherapy primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic shared by many cancer cells. However, this means that normal cells that also divide quickly, such as those in hair follicles and the gastrointestinal tract, are also affected. The challenge in chemotherapy is balancing the destruction of cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, which often leads to common side effects such as hair loss and nausea.
• Evaluate the role of combination chemotherapy in treating leukemias and lymphomas compared to single-agent therapies.
  • Combination chemotherapy is often more effective than single-agent therapies for treating leukemias and lymphomas because it attacks cancer cells through different mechanisms. By using multiple drugs with varying modes of action, healthcare providers can enhance treatment efficacy, reduce the chances of drug resistance developing in cancer cells, and potentially improve patient outcomes. This approach can lead to better remission rates and longer survival times in these types of cancers.
• Discuss the implications of bone marrow suppression as a side effect of chemotherapy for patients with leukemia or lymphoma.
  • Bone marrow suppression is a significant concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia or lymphoma because it decreases the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections due to low white blood cell counts, anemia from low red blood cell counts, and bleeding issues due to reduced platelets. Managing these side effects is critical for maintaining quality of life during treatment, often requiring supportive care measures like transfusions or growth factor medications.

Related terms

Cytotoxic drugs: Medications that kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells by targeting rapidly dividing cells.

Antineoplastic agents: Drugs that are used to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of malignant cells.

Bone marrow suppression: A decrease in the production of blood cells due to chemotherapy, leading to increased risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.