HOW DOES CHEMOTHERAPY WORK?

Chemotherapy operates by targeting cells that undergo rapid division, a defining trait of cancerous cells. Nonetheless, it also impacts certain healthy cells in the body that undergo similar rapid division, including those found in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This is why common side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea, and decreased blood cell counts.

Chemotherapy medications are available in diverse formats, encompassing pills, injections, and intravenous (IV) infusions. Depending on the cancer's type and stage, these drugs may be employed independently or in conjunction with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy drugs interfere with different phases of the cell cycle, disrupting the process of cell division and ultimately leading to cell death. Some drugs may damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from replicating, while others may inhibit enzymes or proteins necessary for cell division.

One of the challenges of chemotherapy is that cancer cells can sometimes become resistant to the drugs over time, leading to treatment failure. To counter this, oncologists may use combination chemotherapy regimens, which involve using multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action to target cancer cells more effectively and reduce the likelihood of resistance.

HOW DO YOU ADMINISTER CHEMOTHERAPY?

Chemotherapy administration methods vary based on cancer type, the specific drugs utilised, and the patient's overall health.

• Intravenous (IV) infusion: This stands as the prevailing technique for chemotherapy delivery. Through a catheter or needle, drugs are directly introduced into a vein. IV chemotherapy can be given in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or specialised infusion centres.
• Oral medications: Some chemotherapy drugs come in pill or liquid form, which patients can take at home. Oral chemotherapy may be more convenient for patients who prefer to avoid frequent hospital visits, but it requires strict adherence to dosing instructions.
• Injections: Certain chemotherapy drugs can be injected directly into a muscle (intramuscular injection) or under the skin (subcutaneous injection). This method is less common than IV infusion but may be used in specific situations.
• Intrathecal administration: In some cases, chemotherapy may need to be delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This method, known as intrathecal administration, is used to treat cancers that have spread to the central nervous system.