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The Chemotherapy Process

What to expect during chemotherapy, how to prepare and how side effects are managed.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is The Chemotherapy Process?

Chemotherapy is drug treatment that targets rapidly dividing cancer cells to damage, slow or kill them. It may be given with curative intent, as neoadjuvant therapy (to shrink a tumour before surgery or radiotherapy), as adjuvant therapy (to reduce the risk of recurrence) or with palliative intent (to relieve symptoms).

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with rest periods between cycles to allow the body to recover. The drugs may be delivered as an intravenous infusion, as oral tablets or by injection. The oncology team decides which drugs, which doses and which schedule to use.

Because chemotherapy can also affect rapidly dividing healthy cells (hair follicles, the digestive tract, the bone marrow), side effects are common. Modern supportive care, however, keeps the majority of these side effects under effective control.

Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
Hair loss (alopecia)
Fatigue and weakness
Susceptibility to infection (neutropenia)
Mouth sores (mucositis)
Hand-foot syndrome (redness, pain)
Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)

Risk Factors

Advanced age (tolerance of side effects may be reduced)
Poor performance status
Kidney or liver dysfunction
Concomitant use of other medications
Nutritional deficiency
Previous chemotherapy exposure (cumulative toxicity)
Heart disease (with cardiotoxic agents such as anthracyclines)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Fever above 38 degrees Celsius or chills (neutropenic fever is an emergency)
  • When vomiting is severe or cannot be stopped
  • When severe numbness or burning develops in the hands or feet
  • When shortness of breath or chest pain appears
  • Call the oncology team for any unusual symptom during treatment

Treatment Methods

01
Antiemetics: ondansetron, aprepitant, dexamethasone (to prevent nausea)
02
G-CSF (filgrastim) for neutropenia management
03
Oral-care protocols for the prevention and treatment of mucositis
04
Nutritional support with a dietitian
05
Psychological support and patient education
06
A central venous catheter (port) for long-term intravenous access

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Onkoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.