Chemotherapy (chemotherapeutic agents)
Research on the contrary gases in the interwar period led to the development of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, also known chemotherapeutic agents or chemotherapy, the drugs used to fight and kill cancer cells. Most cell toxins attack the cell's genetic material (DNA), by damaging it or preventing formation. Chemotherapy specifically attack cells that are dividing rapidly, such as cancer cells do.
Chemotherapy treatment may have different purposes
* Healing
* Make the tumor smaller before surgery
* Killing cancer cells present elsewhere in the body after surgery or radiation therapy
* Keep illness at bay and prevent or reduce symptoms such as tumor (s) causing
How chemotherapy is given?
* Directly into a vein (intravenously), often mixed in a larger flow rate. This is the most common way
* As tablets or capsules
* In the body cavity.
How does chemotherapy?
Chemotherapeutic agents transported by the blood to cells and tissues. When the drug reaches the cancer tumor, be it in the individual cancer cell and inhibit or stop cell division. Thus destruction of cancer cells, and they lose the ability to reproduce. Often, combining several types of chemotherapeutic agents in a single cure. This makes treatment more effective because the different drugs attack tumor cells in different ways.
Side effects of Chemotherapy
Most patients - but not all - are side effects of chemotherapy. There is a lot different, how each responds to chemotherapy. Some have more side effects than others. One can not know in advance how the individual will react.
All cell toxins used in the treatment of cancer, also affects our normal cells. When the results are still good, this is due to the normal cells have a greater ability to repair DNA damage and that normal tissues recover more quickly between each dose. Dose chemotherapy given is calculated from a balance between what we know, healthy cells can tolerate and the amount needed to achieve the desired effect on cancer cells.
The different types of chemotherapy for various side effects such as nausea, hair loss, etc. Any side effects are also determine what precautions are taken. There are many good medications against side effects. Patients get more information about the current cellegiftkur and the most common side effects of doctor and nurse.
The most common side effects of Chemotherapy
* Tiredness / fatigue
* Impaired general condition
* Impaired immune system, anemia and bleeding
* Foot and mouth ailments, and taste changes
* Nausea and vomiting
* Reduced appetite
* Diarrhea and constipation
* Hair loss (alopecia)
* Reduced reproductive capacity
Chemotherapy effect is the same whether you get side effects or not.
Some side effects do not disappear when the chemotherapy treatment is over. Fixed effects depends on both the drug and the dose.
In rare cases arise a new cancer - particularly leukemia - as a result of treatment.
For more information read Krefetforeningens fact sheets about chemotherapy
Home Precautions for Chemotherapy
There may be waste products from cell poison in the body for up to five days after treatment. The concentration and excretion of waste products is greatest the first day after treatment.
Decomposition products can be found in: urine, feces, large amounts of sweat, vomit and blood.
* Vomiting, urine and feces wiped up with paper, which flushed down the toilet. Then wash hands with soap and water.
* Brush creek or the like with vomiting, thrown in the rubbish bin in a sealed plastic bag.
* Wash clothes and bedding in the washing machine - not at hand.
Precautions for relatives of patients receiving chemotherapy
Many people feel uncertain about how closely they may have with a person receiving chemotherapy. Fortunately, you can pretty much live and interact with each other as you usual.
The amount of waste substances in the body is so small that it poses no risk to family and friends. One can, therefore, generally live and interact with each other as we usually - both in hospital and at home.
Pregnant and lactating women
Mon recommend that pregnant and lactating women are not in contact with urine, feces, vomit, etc. from people who receive chemotherapy. This is true for five days after treatment ended.
Small children and Chemotherapy
Many worry especially of young children's contact with people who get chemotherapy. No studies show that one should take extra precautions in relation to young children.
