Chemotherapy drugs can be taken orally as pills or administered as an injection into a vein in your arm.
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Chemotherapy refers to a drug treatment that destroys fast-growing cells in your body and is most commonly used in the treatment of cancers.
Chemotherapy is used in a variety of situations including the following:
Chemotherapy works by attacking cancer cells. During the process, other normal fast growing cells are affected and this is often what causes many of the side effects of chemotherapy.
The common side effects include:
Before you start chemotherapy, the doctor will determine that you are fit for chemotherapy. Blood tests and certain investigations such as an echocardiogram (heart scan) or lung function tests may be done. In addition, a dietary assessment is offered to ensure that you maintain good nutrition during the course of your treatment. Some chemotherapy drugs may affect your fertility, and the doctor will discuss with you whether sperm banking or egg preservation may be suitable. More than half of patients will require insertion of a temporary catheter through which the chemotherapy will be given. Generally we use PICC lines at CFCH, but occasionally a Hickman line or a port-a-cath is inserted.
Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in different ways including:
Chemotherapy is usually given intravenously as an infusion into a vein.
Some chemotherapy medications can be taken orally in the form of pills or capsules.
Chemotherapy drugs can be given as an injection under the skin.
In some cases, chemotherapy drugs are administered directly into a specific part of the body. In blood cancers, chemotherapy is sometimes given intrathecally (via the spine) into the central nervous system.
At CFCH, our haematologists will tailor your chemotherapy regimen based on the latest guidance and research as well as their extensive experience. You will be monitored closely during your course of treatment for side effects, and tests are done to assess how you are responding to treatment. Our doctors and team of nurses strive to ensure that you are fully involved and informed of your treatment and that you are as comfortable as possible during your treatment period.
At CFCH, we offer chemotherapy as a treatment for various blood cancers including Multiple Myeloma, Leukaemia (ALL, AML), and Lymphoma.
For patients who need intensive chemotherapy for treatment of their acute myeloid leukaemia, they will typically receive 4-5 cycles of intensive therapy. Each session of chemotherapy may last for 4 weeks.
Patients who are receiving intensive chemotherapy followed by transplantation typically receive 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy before undergoing the bone marrow transplantation.
Patients who are not fit for intensive chemotherapy or transplantation may receive continuous cycles of non-intensive targeted therapy.
The specific treatment protocols for each AML patient often varies based on individual factors, and our doctors at CFCH will discuss your personal AML treatment plan in detail with you.
Unfortunately, even with chemotherapy and the latest available novel therapies, only a portion of AML patients can be successfully cleared of their disease.
Even with newer, targeted novel therapies, the vast majority of leukaemia cases require a combination of novel agents with conventional chemotherapy and sometimes even a bone marrow transplantation for successful clearance of the AML.
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
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The CFCH team is committed to providing patient-centred care and comprehensive multidisciplinary support through every stage of your journey with us.
During your initial consultation, you'll meet our doctors who will listen to your concerns and begin your evaluation and recommend the necessary investigations required.
After diagnosis, we will plan your care, tailoring treatment options to your unique needs for the optimal outcome.
Throughout your treatment journey, we will provide a supportive environment to closely monitor your progress, ensuring your comfort and adjusting care as needed.
After treatment, we will continue to support you with a holistic approach to your recovery, to ensure that both your physical and mental wellbeing are looked after.
