Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a systemic cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy or slow the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. It circulates throughout the body via the bloodstream, making it effective for cancers that have spread (metastasized).

How Chemotherapy Works

  • Targets fast-dividing cells (a key trait of cancer).
  • Damages DNA or disrupts cell division to stop tumor growth.
  • Affects some healthy cells (like hair follicles, digestive lining), causing side effects.

Common Uses of Chemotherapy

✔ Primary Treatment: For cancers highly sensitive to drugs (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma).
✔ Adjuvant Therapy: Kills residual cells after surgery/radiation.
✔ Neoadjuvant Therapy: Shrinks tumors before surgery (e.g., breast cancer).
✔ Palliative Care: Eases symptoms in advanced cancer.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

Category  Example Drugs How They Work
Alkylating Agents  Cyclophosphamide  Damage the DNA to       prevent replication
Antimetabolites 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Mimic nutrients to starve  cells
Plant Alkaloids Paclitaxel (Taxol) Block cell division
Targeted Therapy Trastuzumab    (Herceptin)Attack specific cancer markers

Typical Treatment Plan

  • Cycles: Drugs given in intervals (e.g., 3 weeks on, 1 week off) to let healthy cells recover.
  • Delivery Methods:
    • IV infusion (most common)
    • Oral pills (e.g., capecitabine)
    • Injections (into muscle/spine)

Potential Side Effects

Common:

  • Fatigue, nausea, hair loss
  • Low blood counts (risk of infection/anemia)
  • Mouth sores, appetite changes

Long-term:

  • Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Heart or lung issues (with certain drugs)

Management: Anti-nausea meds, growth factor injections, cooling caps for hair preservation.

Advances in Chemotherapy

  • Personalized Medicine: Genetic testing to match effective drugs.
  • Liposomal Delivery: Encapsulated drugs reduce side effects.
  • Immunotherapy Combos: Enhances immune response against cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does chemo always cause hair loss?
A: No—depends on the drug (e.g., taxanes often do; targeted therapies usually don’t).

Q: Can I work during treatment?
A: Many do, but fatigue may require adjustments.

Q: How is chemo different from radiation?
A: Radiation is localized; chemo is whole-body.

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Maryam Mirzaei Moghadam

Maryam Mirzaei Moghadam

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Maryam Mirzaei Moghadam is a highly skilled radiation oncologist in Tehran specializing in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and advanced cancer treatments. […]

Iran, Tehran
Pedram Fadavi

Pedram Fadavi

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Pedram Fadavi is a notable radiation oncologist and an Associate Professor at Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in […]

Helaleh Khoshbakht

Helaleh Khoshbakht

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Helaleh Khoshbakht is a highly respected radiation oncologist in Tehran with extensive expertise in treating various cancers, including breast, […]

Iran, Tehran
Shiva Moghadam

Shiva Moghadam

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Shiva Moghadam is a highly accomplished radiation oncologist in Tehran, Iran, currently serving as: Academic Board Member at Motamed Jihad University […]

Iran, Tehran
Reza Khodabakhshi

Reza Khodabakhshi

Geriatric Oncologist

Dr. Reza Khodabakhshi is a distinguished radiation oncologist with extensive clinical and academic experience in cancer treatment. He earned a fellowship in Medical […]

Iran, Tehran
Bahram Mofid

Bahram Mofid

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Bahram Mofid is a distinguished radiation oncologist based in Tehran, Iran, known for his contributions to cancer treatment and […]

Iran, Tehran
Monir Mirai

Monir Mirai

Radiation Oncologist

From Personal Experience to Professional Passion Dr. Monir Mirai is a dedicated radiation oncologist in Tehran whose career path was […]

Iran, Tehran
Mohammad Shakouri

Mohammad Shakouri

Hematology & Medical Oncology

Dr. Mohammad Shakouri is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist with 13+ years of experience in diagnosing and treating: Blood disorders (thalassemia, hemophilia, favism) Blood cancers (leukemia, […]