Chemotherapy for lung cancer
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that are used to destroy the cancer cells. These drugs work by interfering with the growth of cancer cells. As the drug moves in the blood they would reach the cancer cells and destroy them.
Lung cancer affects the lungs and is caused mainly because of smoking, however it can even occur in people who have never smoked which can be attributed to inhaled cancer causing agents.
Lung cancer is of two types:
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Small cell lung cancer
Chemotherapy forms the main type treatment for lung cancer. Here we would be discussing about the chemotherapy for the two types of lung cancers.
Chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer
For small cell lung cancer chemotherapy is the main treatment. Doctors usually prefer this treatment because small cell lung cancers respond to this treatment very well and this type of cancer spreads microscopically. As compared to chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy are localized treatments while chemotherapy acts on the whole body. This makes it possible for chemotherapy to even act on cells that would have spread to other parts of the body.
The small cell lung cancer cells are so small that they are not visible in the scan and doctors presume that it would have spread hence they use chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can either be used singly or in combination with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can either be used at the same time with chemotherapy or after chemotherapy. If surgery is a possible option then the doctor might prescribe chemotherapy either with or after the surgery. This is because the cells might have broken away from the tumor and moved to other parts of the body.
The most common drugs used in the chemotherapy of small cell lung cancer are cisplatin and etopside. It is usually seen that small cell lung cancers give a good response to these drugs. However there are constant researches going to check other combinatiosn and their effectiveness. To know more about the latest treatment that are undergoing research.
Chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
The non-small cell lung cancer is less responsive to chemotherapy in comparison to small cell lung cancer. With this type of cancer it is less likely to spread microscopically if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Hence for treating such cancers surgery and radiotherapy are the main treatment options. But chemotherapy still plays an important role and gradually gaining importance. Chemotherapy can be prescribed either after surgery so as to reduce the risk of cancer from recurring or before or after radiotherapy and also to control the symptoms of cancer.
Before the doctor starts you on chemotherapy he would inform you about the side effects and the benefits that are associated with chemotherapy. If you are in good health then the doctor would start the chemotherapy in about 6 weeks after the surgery. According to a review it has been seen that chemotherapy after radiotherapy has been of much help in a number of people.
In case the patient is suffering from advanced non-small cell lung cancer then the doctor would recommend radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy as this is the best way in which the cancer can be controlled from growing. According to statistics it has been seen that chemotherapy has been effective in a number of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Chemotherapy can either be given orally or by injection. The amount and the type of drug that the patient is required to take depends on the doctor and the disease condition. Usually the patient would have to take 2-3 different combinations of drugs at a time. You should ask the nurse or the doctor to explain the details of the medication.
Chemotherapy treatment is given over a period of few days and then the body is allowed to rest for 3-4 weeks. This allows the normal cells to recover and get over the side effects. The number of treatments depends on the drug combination that you are having, the response of the cancer, and the type of cancer that is being treated and the response of the body to the side effects. There are some chemotherapy drugs that need to be taken in the hospital because you are required to take them by drip.
The usual course of chemotherapy is from 3-4 months depending on the number of cycles. In case you are taking the treatment for symptoms but there is no response then you should stop taking the medicine after consulting your doctor. Once you are on chemotherapy the doctor would keep monitoring your condition by doing regular check-ups and scans to see the size of the cancer.
Take supplements when on chemotherapy
When on chemotherapy you should have other medicines that can help you feel better. You should ask your doctor about the different medicines and the diet that you should have so that you can recover and feel better. Ask the doctor about what should you avoid and what should you have.
When on chemotherapy you are likely to face some side effects. However not all patients experience the same side effects.
Some of the side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Decrease in the number of blood cells
- Constant feeling of being sick
- Hair loss
- Mouth ulcers and sore mouth
- Feeling tired and low
The side effects however start improving as the treatment gets over. You should slowly try and get back into your routine once the treatment is over.
Other Articles
