how is it determined how much chemo treatment you need

Your doctor determines how often you'll receive chemotherapy treatments based on what drugs you'll receive, the characteristics of your cancer and how well your body recovers after each treatment. Chemotherapy

treatment schedules vary.

Full Answer

How is the length of chemotherapy treatment determined?

The length of chemotherapy treatment is determined by a variety of factors. These include the type of cancer, the extent of cancer, the types of drugs that are given, as well as the expected toxicities of the drugs and the amount of time necessary to recover from these toxicities.

How often do you get chemotherapy?

Treatment schedules for chemotherapy vary widely. How often and how long you get chemotherapy depends on: You may receive chemotherapy in cycles. A cycle is a period of chemotherapy treatment followed by a period of rest. For instance, you might receive chemotherapy every day for 1 week followed by 3 weeks with no chemotherapy.

How is Chemo given?

Chemotherapy is often given through a thin needle that is placed in a vein on your hand or lower arm. Your nurse will put the needle in at the start of each treatment and remove it when treatment is over. IV chemotherapy may also be given through catheters or ports, sometimes with the help of a pump.

How do I plan for chemotherapy?

Planning for your chemotherapy treatments. Preparing for side effects. Depending on the most common side effects of your chemotherapy, your doctor may recommend planning for nausea and vomiting, hair loss, reproductive issues, and other side effects. An important part of cancer care is relieving side effects.

What determines how many chemo treatments?

The length of chemotherapy treatment is determined by a variety of factors. These include the type of cancer, the extent of cancer, the types of drugs that are given, as well as the expected toxicities of the drugs and the amount of time necessary to recover from these toxicities.

What is the normal amount of chemo treatments?

During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.

What determines the need for chemo?

Your doctor might suggest chemotherapy if there is a chance that your cancer might spread in the future. Or if it has already spread. Sometimes cancer cells break away from a tumour. They may travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

How many sessions are in a round of chemo?

Receiving chemotherapy in cycles helps to effectively kill off the cancerous cells, while allowing the person's body time to replenish its healthy cells. A single course of chemotherapy will typically involve four to eight chemotherapy cycles.

What is the life expectancy after chemotherapy?

During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999, and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years).

Does chemo get worse with each treatment?

The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.

Why do oncologists push chemo?

An oncologist may recommend chemotherapy before and/or after another treatment. For example, in a patient with breast cancer, chemotherapy may be used before surgery, to try to shrink the tumor. The same patient may benefit from chemotherapy after surgery to try to destroy remaining cancer cells.

What are the signs that chemo is working?

Complete response - all of the cancer or tumor disappears; there is no evidence of disease. A tumor marker (if applicable) may fall within the normal range. Partial response - the cancer has shrunk by a percentage but disease remains. A tumor marker (if applicable) may have fallen but evidence of disease remains.

Which is harder on the body chemo or radiation?

Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•

Is 4 rounds of chemo enough?

Four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy are sufficient for most breast cancer patients, according to results of a Phase III trial of 3,173 women reported at the CTCR-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

What is the strongest chemo drug?

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is one of the most powerful chemotherapy drugs ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers. Unfortunately, the drug can also damage heart cells, so a patient can't take it indefinitely.

How long is a cycle of chemotherapy?

For instance, you might receive chemotherapy every day for 1 week followed by 3 weeks with no chemotherapy. These 4 weeks make up one cycle. The rest period gives your body a chance to recover and build new healthy cells.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. Chemotherapy is used to: Chemotherapy can be used to cure cancer, lessen the chance it will return, or stop or slow its growth. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink tumors that are causing pain and other problems.

How long can a catheter be left in place for chemo?

This needle can be left in place for chemotherapy treatments that are given for longer than one day. Be sure to watch for signs of infection around your port.

How does chemo work?

Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer. Chemotherapy works against cancer by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy (also called chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Who Receives Chemotherapy . Chemotherapy is used to treat many types of cancer. For some people, chemotherapy may be the only treatment you receive. But most often, you will have chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Where do you put a catheter in a chemo patient?

A catheter is a thin, soft tube. A doctor or nurse places one end of the catheter in a large vein, often in your chest area. The other end of the catheter stays outside your body. Most catheters stay in place until you have finished your chemotherapy treatments.

Where is the needle placed for chemo?

The chemotherapy comes in a cream that you rub onto your skin. Chemotherapy is often given through a thin needle that is placed in a vein on your hand or lower arm. Your nurse will put the needle in at the start of each treatment and remove it when treatment is over.

Why is chemotherapy important?

Chemotherapy is, and will continue to be, an important part of the treatment regimen for many cancer patients. Doctors select specific drugs based on the type of cancer the patient has and their dose is individually selected to maximise effectiveness while minimising side effects.

How does chemo help cancer?

Chemotherapy can be used either to shrink cancers before radiotherapy or surgery, or to mop up cancer cells left behind after the main treatment . There are many different classes of chemotherapy drug but most act by causing cancer cells to kill themselves in a process called apoptosis. The major drug classes include the nitrogen mustards, taxanes, ...

How much carboplatin is given for head and neck cancer?

In February 2016, St Vincent’s Hospital announced that more than 70 patients were given a flat 100 mg dose of carboplatin to treat their head and neck cancers. This is incredibly low. Unlike most other drugs, the dose a chemotherapy patient is given isn’t fixed.

How much carboplatin is used in a person?

When BSA is used, a treatment dose of carboplatin is between 300 and 450 mg per square metre. A person who is 178 cm tall and who weighs 81 kg has a BSA of two square metres and would receive a dose between 600 to 900 mg. As you can see, a flat dose of 100 mg meant all patients were massively under treated.

What drugs are used to treat cancer?

This causes the cancer cell to recognise something is wrong and go into apoptosis. The major drugs in this class are cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin. In Australia, carboplatin is used in the treatment of ovarian, lung, and head and neck cancers.

What is the use of chemical drugs to treat cancer in humans and animals?

Breast. Childhood. Featured Stories. Home. Lung. Prostate. Rare Cancers. Chemotherapy is the use of chemical drugs to treat cancer in humans and animals. It is rarely used by itself and is typically combined with surgery, immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

Does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?

Problems with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs are very good at killing cancer cells but they also cause severe side effects. These arise because the drugs aren’t selective for cancer cells and kill any part of the body that grows very quickly.

How is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy is most often given as an infusion into a vein (intravenously). The drugs can be given by inserting a tube with a needle into a vein in your arm or into a device in a vein in your chest.

What do you need to do before intravenous chemo?

You may need to: Have a device surgically inserted before intravenous chemotherapy. If you'll be receiving your chemotherapy intravenously — into a vein — your doctor may recommend a device, such as a catheter, port or pump. The catheter or other device is surgically implanted into a large vein, usually in your chest.

Why is chemo used for bone marrow transplant?

Chemotherapy is often used to prepare for a bone marrow transplant. Immune system disorders. Lower doses of chemotherapy drugs can help control an overactive immune system in certain diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the best treatment for skin cancer?

Chemotherapy creams. Creams or gels containing chemotherapy drugs can be applied to the skin to treat certain types of skin cancer. Chemotherapy drugs used to treat one area of the body. Chemotherapy drugs can be given directly to one area of the body.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Overview. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available.

Why is chemotherapy used?

To prepare you for other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor so that other treatments, such as radiation and surgery, are possible. Doctors call this neoadjuvant therapy. To ease signs and symptoms. Chemotherapy may help relieve signs and symptoms of cancer by killing some of the cancer cells.

What doctor do you see during chemotherapy?

You'll meet with your cancer doctor (oncologist) regularly during chemotherapy treatment. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing, since many can be controlled. Depending on your situation, you may also undergo scans and other tests to monitor your cancer during chemotherapy treatment.

What is chemo therapy?

Maskot / Getty Images. Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a form of drug therapy that destroys fast-spreading cancer cells. It’s used to treat cancer and reduce symptoms like pain. If you have a cancer diagnosis, your doctor might recommend chemo on its own or with other treatments. In either case, you’ll likely have a lot of questions, ...

How much does chemo cost out of pocket?

Generally, if you have health insurance, you can expect to pay 10 to 15 percent of chemo costs out of pocket, according to CostHelper.com. If you don’t have health insurance, you might pay between $10,000 to $200,000 or more. The total price of chemotherapy also depends on: Type of cancer.

What are the different types of cancer treatments?

There are several types of cancer treatment: 1 Surgery. Your insurance may provide partial coverage. If your surgeon is not in-network, your insurance plan might not cover the procedure. 2 Radiation. Similarly, your insurance provider might partially cover radiation treatments. 3 Drug therapy. Your provider might also help pay for drug therapy, including chemotherapy. Usually, intravenous (IV) drugs are covered under your medical plan, while pills are covered by a separate pharmacy plan.

Is chemo higher cost?

Chemotherapy costs are usually higher in areas with high living costs. Side effects. If you experience side effects due to chemotherapy, you may need additional treatment. This can increase the overall cost of chemo.

Does Medicare cover chemotherapy?

Medicare covers chemotherapy, plus other cancer treatments, according to Medicare.gov. Medicare Part A covers costs related to a hospital inpatient stay. Medicare Part B provides coverage for treatment in outpatient settings, like an office or clinic.

Can you learn about chemotherapy before you start treatment?

Any feelings you have are valid . It may help to learn about chemotherapy expenses before you begin treatment. This way, you can get a better idea of what to expect. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that can affect the cost of chemotherapy.

Can you do cancer alone?

Coping with cancer can be difficult, but you don’t need to do it alone. There are many programs that provide support and care for people with cancer. These groups can connect you to other individuals with similar experiences.

How is the length of chemotherapy determined?

Length of Chemotherapy Treatment. The length of chemotherapy treatment is determined by a variety of factors. These include the type of cancer, the extent of cancer, the types of drugs that are given, as well as the expected toxicities of the drugs and the amount of time necessary to recover from these toxicities.

How often does chemotherapy repeat?

Frequency of the Cycle. Chemotherapy may repeat weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Usually, a cycle is defined in monthly intervals. For example, two bi-weekly chemotherapy sessions may be classified as one cycle.

How long does chemotherapy last?

When cure is the treatment goal. Adjuvant chemotherapy (therapy after surgery has removed all visible cancer) may last 4-6 months. Adjuvant chemotherapy is common in cancers of the breast and colon. In cancers of the testis, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemias, length of chemotherapy treatment may be up to a year.

What happens if chemo doesn't disappear?

If the disease shrinks but does not disappear, chemotherapy will continue as long as it is tolerated and the disease does not grow. If the disease grows, the chemotherapy will be stopped. Depending on the health and wishes of the patient, either different drugs will be given to try to kill the cancer, or chemotherapy will be stopped and ...

How long does a drug last?

Treatment could last minutes, hours, or days, depending on the specific protocol.

How is chemo given?

The most common way that chemotherapy drugs are given is through a needle into a vein. This is called intravenous or IV chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can also be taken as a pill, capsule, or liquid by mouth, as an injection or shot, or as a cream that is put directly on your skin.

How to help someone with chemotherapy?

Make a caregiving plan. People receiving chemotherapy may need extra help during treatment with transportation, household chores, and other tasks. Family and friends can provide valuable support during this time, called caregiving. Ask your team what type of caregiving at home you may need during and after treatment.

How long does chemo last?

Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles. The length of a cycle depends on the drug (s) you receive. Most cycles range from 2 to 6 weeks. The number of treatment doses scheduled within each cycle also depends on the prescribed chemotherapy.

What type of doctor is best for cancer?

Medical oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in treating cancer with medication. Your medical oncologist works closely with other team members to create your overall cancer treatment plan. They also lead your chemotherapy treatments.

How to get a blood test for cancer?

Have a blood sample taken. Meet with your oncologist so they can check your health and blood test results. Meet the nurse or other health professionals who will give your treatment. Have your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and temperature taken before starting treatment.

What to tell your chemo team?

Always tell your chemotherapy team about any prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. Include vitamins and other supplements, such as herbs. This is to avoid drug interactions and other unwanted side effects. Your doctor will tell you if you should not take them during chemotherapy.

What is the best treatment for cancer?

Relieving physical and emotional side effects is an important part of your overall cancer treatment. This type of care is called palliative care or supportive care . Talk with your health care team about the side effects you experience and ways to manage and treat them. Learn more about the side effects of chemotherapy.

What is neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

What are the advantages of “neoadjuvant chemotherapy”? Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is when chemotherapy is given before surgery, not afterwards. There are specific advantages to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in appropriately selected patients. If your breast biopsy “receptor pattern” suggests that you will need chemotherapy, ...

How to treat inflammatory breast cancer?

Starting chemotherapy as soon as possible is essential to treating this aggressive breast cancer. A mastectomy is performed after chemotherapy, followed by radiation to the area of the mast ectomy to lessen the chance of cancer growing back in that area .

What is the American Society of Clinical Oncologists?

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists is a leading organization of clinicians who care for people with cancer. An outline of “Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer” is provided ( here ). The American Cancer Society is an organization that supports patients with cancer and funds research for cancer of all types.

Is chemotherapy a hormonal treatment?

If needed, chemotherapy is usually given after surgery for invasive breast cancer. It is a more intense cancer treatment than hormonal therapy (usually pills). Only a minority of breast cancer patients will ever need it.

Can a lymph node positive breast cancer be a genomic test?

Some women who have an early stage, “lymph node positive” breast cancer may meet the criteria to consider “genomic” testing of a sample of their tumor to see if they might be able to avoid chemotherapy. This is a rapidly evolving field in breast cancer. Ask your medical oncologist if a “node positive genomic assay” is appropriate ...

Can you get chemo with a breast biopsy?

If your breast biopsy “receptor pattern” suggests that you will need chemotherapy, inquire about the possible benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with your breast surgeon. Unfortunately, the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy are often not offered to patients with early stage breast cancer. If cancer is detected in your lymph nodes ...

Can you have lymph node positive cancer?

If you have “lymph node positive” cancer and are elderly (older than 80) or not healthy enough to tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy, you may conclude that the risks of chemotherapy outweigh its benefits. These situations vary greatly from person to person.

How to prepare for chemotherapy?

If you are the person responsible for meals, consider making some meals before you begin chemotherapy and freeze them in containers that offer the correct portions.

How to help someone with chemotherapy?

Consider help at home . Many times, your friends and family members want to know what they can do to help you during your chemotherapy. Give them a job - it will help both of you. Some ideas include: 1 Helping with meals 2 Helping with child care 3 Helping with house cleaning 4 Helping with transportation 5 Running errands 6 Keeping you company

How long after chemo can you get a wig?

If you are female and preparing for chemotherapy, it may be wise to get your annual PAP smear before chemotherapy begins, to avoid false abnormal results. Sometimes chemotherapy can affect the cells on the cervix for 6 months to a year after chemotherapy. Get a wig if you will need one. If you are likely to lose your hair due ...

How to get chemo through vein?

If you will be receiving your chemotherapy through a vein in your arm, make sure your sleeves will allow good access past your elbow. Talk with your boss at work. Depending on your work situation, it may be wise to discuss your chemotherapy situation with your boss. Ask if there is any flexibility in scheduling.

What to wear for chemo?

Many times it's nice to have a support person with you during treatment as well. Wear comfortable clothing . If you will be getting chemotherapy, it is best to wear comfortable clothing .

Can you watch children while on chemo?

You may need to arrange for child care both during treatment and afterwards. In most cases, you will be unable to watch young children while you are receiving your chemotherapy. Once you are at home, you may or may not feel up to the challenge.

Can you get a PAP smear for chemo?

Get a PAP smear. If you are female and preparing for chemotherapy, it may be wise to get your annual PAP smear ...

How to prepare for chemo?

Other ways to prepare for your chemo treatment include: 1 Getting enough sleep the night before your appointment 2 Eating a healthy meal before your treatment, keeping in mind that chemo may make you feel nauseous. Something light is best. 3 Making arrangements for someone to drop you off and pick you up

How long does chemo last?

Your doctor determines the type and dosage based on your overall health and the severity of your condition‌. ‌. Chemo usually lasts for six to twelve months. You’ll have periods of rest between treatment sessions so that your body can recover.

What is the treatment for cancer called?

Understanding Chemo. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses one or more drugs to kill cancer in your body. It is often called “chemo” for short. Cancer cells in your body grow and multiply very quickly, and chemo slows this process. The drugs used in chemotherapy block cancer cells from being able to split and multiply.

How to feel more at ease during chemo?

When you go to the hospital for chemotherapy — or chemo — your appointment may take a while. Packing a bag with necessities and comforting items can help you feel more at ease during your chemo.

How to feel better after chemo?

When you are going through chemo treatment, staying hydrated can help you feel better. Try to avoid caffeinated beverages like soda, energy drinks, and some teas. Instead, pack water, fruit juices, or decaffeinated tea. ‌.

What to wear to chemo?

Make sure what you wear is comfortable. If you do need to change into a hospital gown or other attire, you’ll want a comfortable change of clothes in your chemo bag to put on when you leave. Make sure your outfit is easy to get on and off in case you feel tired after your treatment. ‌.

What to take with you during chemo?

Calories and protein help your body replenish healthy cells that are killed during chemo. You can also include things like lemon or ginger candy to help prevent nausea. ‌. Comfort items. If you have a favorite pillow or blanket, bring it with you.

Overview

Why It's Done

Risks

How You Prepare

What You Can Expect

• Determining which chemotherapy drugs you'll receive
  Your doctor chooses which chemotherapy drugs you'll receive based on several factors, including: 1. Type of cancer 2. Stage of cancer 3. Overall health 4. Previous cancer treatments 5. Your goals and preferences Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Together you can decide what…
• How chemotherapy drugs are given
  Chemotherapy drugs can be given in different ways, including: 1. Chemotherapy infusions.Chemotherapy is most often given as an infusion into a vein (intravenously). The drugs can be given by inserting a tube with a needle into a vein in your arm or into a device in a vein in …

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