Chemotherapy Overview and Impact

Chemotherapy Overview

• Chemotherapy refers to a diverse range of drugs aimed at treating cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells.
• Cancer cells continue to divide uncontrollably, making them vulnerable to cytotoxic agents commonly used in chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy drugs can be natural compounds derived from plants or synthetically created.

Impact on Normal vs. Cancer Cells

• Normal cells typically stop dividing under unfavorable conditions and possess better DNA repair mechanisms compared to cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy also affects rapidly dividing normal cells, leading to side effects like hair loss, anemia, immune suppression, and gastrointestinal issues.

Administration of Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is considered systemic therapy, distributing throughout the body to target cancer cells.
• Various administration methods include:
  • Oral: pills, capsules, or liquids
  • Intravenous (IV): directly into a vein
  • Injection: intramuscular or subcutaneous
  • Intrathecal: into the space around the brain and spinal cord
  • Intraperitoneal (IP): into the abdominal cavity
  • Intra-arterial (IA): into the artery supplying the cancer
  • Topical: applied as a cream to the skin

Biotherapy Overview

• Biological or biotherapy focuses on enhancing the body's immune system to combat infections and diseases, including cancers.
• Also known as immunotherapy, it employs biological response modifiers (BRMs) for treatment.

Mechanism of Biological Therapy

• This therapy utilizes the immune system's components to fight diseases and mitigate treatment side effects.
• Scientists can produce BRMs in larger quantities for effective therapy against various conditions, such as cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Administration of Biotherapy

• Different forms of biotherapy can be administered via:
  • Intravenous (IV)
  • Oral (pills or capsules)
  • Topical (skin creams)
  • Intravesical (directly into the bladder)

Implanted Port

• Many patients receive chemotherapy or biotherapy through an implanted port, which facilitates easier IV access.
• An implanted port reduces discomfort associated with using smaller veins.
• The port is surgically placed under the skin and linked to a vein near the heart.

Care Instructions for Implanted Port

• Avoid getting the incisions wet for 24 hours post-placement and refrain from submerging in water for 7-10 days.
• Manage soreness with prescribed pain medications.
• Contact healthcare providers if experiencing fever, incision complications, or unmanageable pain.

Maintenance of the Port

• Ensure the port is accessed and flushed every 4-6 weeks if not in use.
• Use numbing cream before accessing the port to alleviate discomfort.
• Follow specific care guidelines based on whether the port is accessed or not.

This quiz explores the fundamentals of chemotherapy, focusing on its role in treating cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells. It also delves into the effects of chemotherapy on both cancer and normal cells, highlighting potential side effects and various administration methods. Perfect for understanding the complexities of cancer treatment.