Understanding the Role of Chemotherapy

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 30 June 2014

Chemotherapy can have different roles in treatment of cancer. It is important to understand the role of the chemotherapy prescribed for the patient. Dr. Kriti Mittal MD, MS Hematology and Medical Oncology explains the roles - curative, non-curative, palliative and adjuvant.

It is important to understand the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of your cancer. In some cases of localized or locally advanced cancer that has not yet spread to distant organs, your health care provider may chose to give chemotherapy after surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. In such cases, if the chemotherapy is given with the sole intention of reducing the risk of recurrence of cancer, it is referred to as Adjuvant chemotherapy. This refers to situations in which cancer has not yet metastasized and surgery is considered a curative procedure. Administration of adjuvant chemotherapy is usually based on data from clinical trials that suggest an improvement in overall survival, progression- free survival or disease free survival, etc. compared to patients who don't get adjuvant chemotherapy; but this is specific to each type of cancer and does not hold true for all cancer types.

In cases of advanced or metastatic cancer, chemotherapy is given to help slow down or shrink the size of tumors and help patients live longer, but in most cases cannot make all the cancer cells disappear. Such treatment is usually non curative, and may also be referred to as palliative. Again, it is important to discuss goals of treatment with your provider. In some slow growing cancers, even in advanced cases, patients can have long term survival with treatment. While in other cases, despite non curative chemotherapy, survival could be limited. Communication is key to understanding your treatment choices, their risks and benefits.

In some cases, such as advanced testicular cancer, chemotherapy may be given with curative intent even in the metastatic setting. Hence the intention of treatment- adjuvant, curative, non curative, should be discussed with your provider.

Stories

Sifting The Truth From The Fake – Health News In The 21st Century

People get umpteen health news forwards and they often forward without verifying. Some even think "may be it will help some one". Dr. Aju Mathew, medical oncologist and director, Kerala Cancer Care shares his tips on how to spot the fake news forwards and whether you should forward or not. We live in an era of information superhighway. In a way, this is a more democratic way of communication. Everyone has a voice - not just those with power or knowledge. But in the cacophony of the voices, the…
My Daughter Kept Me Going Through The Difficult Times Of My Cancer Journey

Amita Modi, 44 from Ahmedabad, was diagnosed with Oral Tongue Cancer survivor when she was 28. Her 18 month old daughter motivated her to stay strong and positive through her cancer treatment. She still worries about her stress triggering off a relapse of cancer. When were you diagnosed, Amita? What were the early symptoms? In November of 2002, I noticed a small sore on my tongue. I tried some home remedies but got no results and it seemed to have grown bigger. During the December holidays, we…
Cancer Is A Blessing In Disguise

Shrenik Shah, 67 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with Larynx (Vocal Folds) cancer, stage IV A 22 years ago. He now speaks with an Electrolarynx to motivate and inspire others. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I started getting hoarseness in my voice in late 1996. It was followed by breathlessness at night time and weight loss. I also would get so drowsy that I would sleep while standing. I am a non-smoker and have never had alcohol, tobacco, gutka, masala etc.…
Living Better After Breast Cancer - A Webinar/Live Q&A Series

Cancer is not a death sentence. And many people continue to live fulfilling lives after cancer. In our Live Discussion sessions we talk to eminent doctors and brave survivors for tips, vital information and motivation. In the first of the series on Living Better After Breast Cancer we have with us Director and Breast Cancer Specialist Dr. D.G. Vijay, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad Breast Cancer Survivor Nandita Muralidhar, Chennai Breast Cancer Survivor Urvi Sabnis - Dave,…
The Role of Counselling in Palliative Care

Pranab Basu has been a hands on caregiver for his wife, and has now devoted himself to helping and counselling people suffering from Cancer. He talks about the importance of counselling in Palliative Care. What is the role of Palliative Care? World Health Organization defines Palliative Care as "to prevent and relieve suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other related problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual". The intrinsic value…
I Have Actually Forgotten My Pre-cancer Life

Rita Banik, founder of RACE to Rein in Cancer has been living with cancer for more than 12 years. She reflects on her journey, the ups and downs and what keeps her going as the fear of relapse stays in the mind forever. The milestones and key incidents that come to mind Detected the breast lump in March 2006 Going for FNAC test was the hardest First reaction of relatives was that I was going to die The trauma of losing a breast came almost after a year of surgery First realization of what I…
Art Therapy For Mental Wellbeing Of Cancer Patients And Caregivers

Cancer patients and their families go through stressful, fearful and anxious times of emotional upheaval. Dancer and Actress Kamalika Guha Thakurta talks to PatientsEngage on how Artscape is using art, music and dance therapy to support healing and psychological rehabilitation of cancer patients and their family caregivers. 1. Tell us a little about Artscape. Artscape is a non-governmental organization established in 2015, which works in the area of mental wellness. We…
2018 Nobel Prize For Medicine For Advances In Immunotherapy

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for discoveries that have led to new medicines that activate the immune system and drive it to fight cancers. These therapies can defeat even the deadliest malignancies. Two scientists, Professor James P Allison from the US and Professor Tasuku Honjo from Japan, who discovered how to fight cancer using the body's immune system have won the 2018 Nobel Prize for physiology or…
Hair Loss Due To Chemotherapy Is Repairable

Pranab Kumar Basu has turned a counsellor after being a full-time caregiver to his wife who was suffering from Cancer. He discusses his experiences of supporting cancer patients who are apprehensive about hair loss. In your experience, who suffer more hair loss after chemotherapy: men or women? Hair loss occurs in both men and women but in respect of volume women suffer more hair loss. For whom is it more traumatic: men or women? Is there an age profile that is affected more? It is more…
I Now Realise The Value Of Life

Dilip Kumar Kanjilal, 77 from Kolkata has fought cancer of the Vocal Chords and emerged a winner. He looks back to recall his struggle which has also reiterated his faith in life. Professionally, I used to be a driver of the long-distance state bus for 30 years. I had the responsibility to take the passengers to their destinations safely and I was good at it. Likewise, when I was attacked by the big C-Cancer, I was not engulfed by fear, tension, agony. I faced it bravely like a warrior. What is…