Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatment plan
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses chemical drugs to destroy cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Chemotherapy has been widely used for various cancers for many years, and under the current Hong Kong healthcare system, its cost has become more affordable compared to the past. Depending on the stage of the disease, chemotherapy can achieve the following goals:
▲ Radical treatment
If the disease is still in its early stages, chemotherapy may be able to eradicate cancer cells and restore the patient's health. Of course, patients will still need long-term follow-up after completing treatment to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
▲Control tumors
If the disease is in the middle stage, even though the chance of a cure is not as good as in the early stage, chemotherapy can still be used to shrink the tumor and control the disease.
▲Relieve symptoms
Chemotherapy can be used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer, hence it is also called "palliative care".
In addition to being used alone, chemotherapy regimens are often used to assist surgery and radiotherapy to enhance their efficacy.
In addition to being used alone, chemotherapy is often used to supplement surgery and radiation therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
▲Adjuvant chemotherapy
First, surgery or radiation therapy is used to eliminate the tumor, and then chemotherapy is used to further eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the body.
▲ Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
When the tumor is large or located near important sites or organs, chemotherapy is used first to shrink the tumor, making it easier for subsequent surgery or radiation therapy and increasing the chances of success.
When choosing chemotherapy drugs, doctors consider the type of cancer, the size, location, and distribution of the tumor (i.e., the extent of spread), and assess the patient's ability to tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy drugs based on their physical condition. If necessary, doctors may combine more than one chemotherapy drug to achieve synergistic effects.
Most chemotherapy is administered via injection or oral medication. Except in rare cases or when the intravenous drip time for certain drugs is too long and hospitalization is required, chemotherapy courses can generally be performed at day chemotherapy centers or outpatient clinics without the need for hospitalization.
Potential side effects of chemotherapy and their management
Because chemotherapy drugs primarily target rapidly growing cells, while destroying cancer cells, they may also damage fast-growing normal cells, such as bone marrow cells, hair follicle cells, oral mucosal cells, and gastrointestinal mucosal cells, causing various degrees of chemotherapy side effects, including:
(a) Hair loss
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect hair follicle cells, causing varying degrees of hair loss. However, this is temporary, and the hair will regrow after the chemotherapy treatment is completed.
Solution: Use a soft and breathable hat or headscarf, or wear a wig.
(b) Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, usually occurring hours to days after administration, and in severe cases, can even lead to dehydration. However, current chemotherapy drugs have greatly improved, and nausea and vomiting are becoming less common. Furthermore, they can be effectively prevented and controlled with prescription medications.
Treatment: Before applying the medication, eat a small, light meal. After applying the medication, drink plenty of water, eat small, frequent meals, and choose easily digestible, light foods. Avoid fried, greasy, gas-producing, and spicy foods.
(c) Decreased blood cell count
Another side effect of chemotherapy is the potential suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to a decrease in red blood cell count. If the red blood cell count is too low, patients may experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. A decrease in white blood cell count can weaken the patient's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Treatment: Pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid crowded places, and avoid eating leftover or undercooked food. At the same time, patients should pay attention to nutrition, eating more high-protein, high-calorie foods, which will help increase blood cell count. Doctors may also prescribe white blood cell-boosting injections as needed by individual patients.
(d) Decreased platelet count
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause a decrease in platelet count. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, with clinical symptoms including easy bruising, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding. If necessary, doctors may recommend lowering the dosage of chemotherapy drugs.
Treatment: Pay attention to safety in daily life, such as avoiding injury when shaving, exercising, and using sharp objects.
(e) Fatigue
The patient has insufficient red blood cells, which reduces the body's oxygen levels, making them prone to fatigue.
Treatment: Ensure sufficient rest and engage in light exercise regularly.
(f) Gastrointestinal reactions
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the digestive tract lining, leading to constipation or diarrhea.
Treatment: Constipation can be improved by eating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. For diarrhea, it is advisable to eat light or warm liquid foods to replenish the fluids lost during diarrhea, and avoid eating irritating foods. If the condition is mild, the patient can take antidiarrheal medication; however, if the condition is severe and may lead to dehydration, the doctor should be notified as soon as possible.
(g) Oral ulcers
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the oral mucosa, causing redness, swelling, and inflammation, as well as white patches resembling prickly heat, leading to pain and even difficulty eating.
Treatment: Maintain good oral hygiene, rinse with a mild salt water solution or a doctor-prescribed mouthwash, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and eat soft, easily swallowed foods. If the condition severely affects the patient's nutritional intake, the doctor must be informed.
(h) Nerve and muscle paralysis
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage as a side effect, leading to symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and decreased sensation.
Treatment: Mild cases can be relieved by keeping warm, massaging, and applying heat. If the condition is severe, you must notify a doctor.
Chemotherapy price
The price of chemotherapy in Hong Kong can vary greatly depending on the institution providing the treatment plan, ranging from a little over HK$100 per session in public healthcare to hundreds of thousands of dollars in private institutions. However, a higher price does not necessarily guarantee better treatment results. If the cost of chemotherapy is an important factor for you, please feel free to discuss it with our team.
FAQ
In which situations are chemotherapy treatment regimens suitable?
Chemotherapy can be used to cure early-stage cancer, control the growth of tumors in intermediate-stage cancer, and alleviate symptoms in advanced-stage cancer. Doctors will develop a treatment plan based on the type and stage of the cancer.What are the common side effects of chemotherapy?
Common side effects include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, decreased blood cell count, and mouth ulcers. Doctors will provide management strategies to mitigate the effects of these side effects.Is hospitalization required for chemotherapy?
Most chemotherapy can be performed at day chemotherapy centers or outpatient clinics without hospitalization, unless there are exceptional cases or the infusion time for the medication is longer.Does the price of chemotherapy reflect the effectiveness of the treatment?
A high cost of chemotherapy does not necessarily equate to better treatment results, and vice versa. The key is to choose a high-quality medical institution and receive appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition.
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