Understanding Chemotherapy: A Cornerstone of Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy is a powerful form of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It is highly effective against Malignant Blood Diseases like Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma. A hematologist or blood cancer specialist meticulously designs and supervises these treatments.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Expert in Hematology and BMT
Dr. Nishad Dhakate specializes in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He expertly manages red, white, and platelet disorders, as well as immunodeficiency disorders, providing comprehensive, patient-tailored care.
Symptoms and When Chemotherapy is Used
- Symptoms: Fatigue from anemia, frequent infections due to immunodeficiency, easy bruising, and unexplained weight loss.
- Causes: Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for many blood cancers, including Leukemia and Lymphoma, and is used as a preparatory step for a bone marrow transplant.
Procedure and How Chemotherapy Works
- Regimen: A hematology doctor creates a treatment schedule with cycles of chemotherapy followed by rest periods.
- Administration: Drugs are given intravenously, orally, or via a catheter in a hematology center or hospital.
- Monitoring: Blood counts are closely monitored to manage side effects such as anemia or Thrombocytopenia. Supportive care like blood transfusions is often needed.
Chemotherapy affects both cancerous and healthy fast-dividing cells, which may cause hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
Chemotherapy in the Context of Other Therapies
- Targeted Therapy: Combined with chemotherapy for conditions like Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
- Biological Therapy for Cancer: Used alongside chemotherapy for diseases like Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: High-dose chemotherapy is part of Ablation Therapy to prepare the patient for stem cell infusion, either from a donor (allogeneic) or the patient (autologous).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is chemotherapy always the first treatment?A. It depends on the type and stage of cancer. Some slow-growing cancers may use a “watch-and-wait” approach, while others may start with targeted therapy or a bone marrow transplant. Que. What is the difference between chemotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy?
A. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells broadly, while CAR-T cell therapy uses genetically modified immune cells to specifically target and destroy cancer. Que. Can chemotherapy be used to treat non-cancerous conditions?
A. Yes, certain chemotherapy drugs at lower doses can suppress the immune system in severe autoimmune diseases. Que. Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss?
A. Hair follicle cells are fast-dividing like cancer cells. Chemotherapy targets these cells, causing temporary hair loss, which typically regrows after treatment ends.
