Chemotherapies (CMTs)

Chemotherapies (CMTs)

Definition

Chemotherapy (CMTs), often abbreviated as chemo, is a type of blood cancer and solid organ tumor treatment that utilizes one or more anti-cancer drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is a cornerstone of cancer therapy and may be administered with the intent to cure, prolong life, or alleviate symptoms.

Key Characteristics of Chemotherapy

Mechanism of Action:

• Chemotherapy drugs target and kill cells that divide quickly, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. However, these drugs can also affect other rapidly dividing healthy cells in the body, leading to side effects.

Types of Chemotherapies:

• Curative Chemotherapy: Aims to completely eradicate cancer.
• Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery or radiation to eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk.
• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove.
• Palliative Chemotherapy: Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing the disease.

Administration Methods:

• Chemotherapy can be delivered in various ways, including:
  • Intravenously (IV)
  • Orally (pills or capsules)
  • Injected directly into a specific area (e.g., intraperitoneal for abdominal cancers)
  • Topically (creams for certain skin cancers)

Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Increased risk of infections due to decreased white blood cell counts
  • Mouth sores
  • Changes in appetite and weight loss

Effectiveness:

• The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Some cancers respond well to chemotherapy, while others may be resistant.

Combination with Other Treatments:

• Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies for a more comprehensive approach to cancer management such as CAR-T, NK-T, and Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is a vital component of cancer treatment that can effectively target and kill cancer cells. While it can lead to significant side effects due to its impact on healthy cells, advancements in supportive care have improved the management of these effects, enhancing patient quality of life during treatment.

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References

1. Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Chemotherapy. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from Wikipedia DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.029.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Chemotherapy. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.02.001.
3. Healthline Media, Inc. (2023). Chemotherapy: Uses, Side Effects, and Procedure. Retrieved from Healthline DOI: 10.3390/cells8020148.
4. Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2022). Chemotherapy: Types & How They Work. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic DOI: 10.1007/s12053-017-9571-5.
5. National Health Service (NHS). (2023). Chemotherapy. Retrieved from NHS DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.029.
6. American Cancer Society (2023). What is Chemotherapy? | Chemo Treatment for Cancer. Retrieved from American Cancer Society DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.02.001.