Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, often abbreviated as "chemo," is a medical treatment that uses drugs to destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells. It is a systemic therapy, which means it affects the entire body, rather than targeting a specific area.


Chemotherapy can be used as the primary treatment for cancer or as part of a combination therapy approach that includes surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments, depending on the type, stage of cancer and the patient's overall health.
Chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, it works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to divide and multiply. They target rapidly dividing cells, which is a hallmark characteristic of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be highly effective in treating many types of cancer, either by shrinking tumors before surgery or radiation therapy, controlling cancer growth, or eliminating cancer cells altogether. The success of chemotherapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual patient’s response. However, chemotherapy drugs can also affect normal, healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This can lead to side effects.
At your first appointment, your radiation oncologist will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also explain what brachytherapy is and how it works. They will discuss the benefits and risks of brachytherapy for your specific type of cancer. They will also answer any questions you may have about the treatment plan.
Your brachytherapy sessions will take place at our state-of-the-art facility within the premises of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Lagos. Depending on your treatment plan, you may have one or more sessions of brachytherapy, usually spanning 1 to 3 weeks.
Your radiation oncologist will monitor your progress throughout your treatment course. They will check your response to the treatment and adjust the plan if needed. They will also assess your side effects and provide you with medications or other interventions to manage them. They will also coordinate your care with other members of your multidisciplinary team.
If you want to learn more about brachytherapy at NLCC or book an appointment, please send an email to info@nlcc.ng or call us at +234 700 674 2588
Various types of chemotherapy drugs can be administered in different ways, including oral pills, intravenous (IV) injections, intramuscular injections, and topical creams. The choice of drugs and delivery method depends on the specific type of cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by rest to allow the body to recover from the side effects of the drugs. The specific regimen and schedule depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and the drugs being used.
Chemotherapy can have a range of side effects, and the specific side effects a person experiences can vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs, the dosage, the duration of treatment, and individual factors such as overall health. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all these side effects, and some individuals may have milder symptoms than others. Medications and supportive care can help manage these side effects. Here are some common side effects associated with chemotherapy:
Nausea and Vomiting: Many chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting. Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) are often prescribed to help manage these symptoms.
Fatigue: Chemotherapy can lead to extreme tiredness and fatigue, which can last for days or weeks after treatment.
Hair Loss: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary hair loss, including hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair.
Anaemia: Chemotherapy may reduce the number of red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Anaemia can result in fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia): Chemotherapy can decrease the number of white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections and decreasing immune function. Fever during chemotherapy should be taken seriously and reported to a healthcare provider.
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia): A decrease in platelet count can lead to easy bruising and bleeding.
Mouth Sores: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth and throat, making it difficult to eat and drink.
Diarrhea or Constipation: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation can occur because of chemotherapy.
Changes in Taste and Appetite: Chemotherapy may alter a person’s sense of taste and appetite, leading to food aversions or changes in food preferences.
Nail Changes: Chemotherapy can affect the health and appearance of fingernails and toenails, causing brittleness, discoloration, or ridges.
Skin Changes: Some chemotherapy drugs can lead to skin sensitivity, dryness, rashes, or increased sun sensitivity.
Neuropathy: Neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage, often resulting in numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.
Memory and Cognitive Changes: Some people may have trouble with concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions during chemotherapy, often referred to as “chemo brain.”
Changes in Fertility: Chemotherapy can impact fertility, causing temporary or permanent infertility in some individuals. Fertility preservation options should be discussed before starting treatment.
Emotional and Psychological Effects: Coping with cancer and its treatment can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Support from healthcare professionals, counsellors, and support groups can be helpful.
Throughout chemotherapy, patients are closely monitored by their healthcare team for both the treatment’s effectiveness and any side effects. The treatment plan/dosage or drug type can be adjusted as needed based on how the cancer is responding to treatment and the patient’s response and tolerance to the drug. This helps to optimize the treatment and minimize side effects.
It’s important to note that chemotherapy can be highly effective in treating cancer and can be a crucial component of a patient’s overall treatment plan. However, its impact on the patient can vary widely from physical to emotional side effects depending on the drug, dosage type of cancer being treated and individual factors. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should work closely with their healthcare team to manage side effects and make informed decisions about their treatment plans. Advances in medical research continue to improve the effectiveness and tolerability of chemotherapy, offering hope to many cancer patients. The goal is to strike a balance between effectively treating the cancer and minimizing the impact of side effects.