{"id":50330,"date":"2023-11-30T18:10:44","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T12:25:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/?p=50330"},"modified":"2023-11-30T18:10:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T12:25:47","slug":"chemotherapy-types-side-effect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/","title":{"rendered":"Chemotherapy: Introduction, Types, Side Effects\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1205\" height=\"631\" src=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Chemotherapy.jpg\" alt=\"Chemotherapy\" class=\"wp-image-50332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Chemotherapy.jpg 1205w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Chemotherapy-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Chemotherapy-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Chemotherapy-768x402.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used and effective cancer treatments. It kills rapidly developing cells, such as cancer cells, and prevents them from proliferating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chemotherapy medications may be administered differently depending on the type of cancer and the type of treatment utilized. They can be given orally (oral chemotherapy), through the muscle (intramuscular injection), via the skin (subcutaneous injection), or into a vein(intravenous chemotherapy). Chemotherapy medications may be administered into the fluid around the spine in some situations (i.e., intrathecal chemotherapy). Under some conditions, two or more ways of administration may be employed concurrently. Chemotherapy chemicals enter the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body regardless of the delivery technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular method is intravenous injection. It is the most effective method for delivering the medicine into the bloodstream. Oral chemotherapy is more convenient and does not necessitate the use of specialized equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is frequently used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy. The use of combination therapy is determined by cancer stage and type,\u00a0 overall health before cancer therapies, the location of the cancer cells, and individual treatment preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/#chemotherapy-for-non-cancer-diseases\" title=\"Chemotherapy for non-cancer diseases\">Chemotherapy for non-cancer diseases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/#how-does-chemotherapy-work\" title=\"How does chemotherapy work?\">How does chemotherapy work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/#chemotherapeutic-agents\" title=\"Chemotherapeutic agents\">Chemotherapeutic agents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/#-side-effects-occur-during-chemotherapy\" title=\"&nbsp;Side effects occur during chemotherapy\">&nbsp;Side effects occur during chemotherapy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/#references\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"chemotherapy-for-non-cancer-diseases\"><\/span><strong>Chemotherapy for non-cancer diseases<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some chemotherapeutic medications are\u00a0effective in the treatment of various illnesses, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diseases of the bone marrow:<\/strong> A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, can be used to treat diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood cells. Chemotherapy is frequently used in the preparation of a bone marrow transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Immune system dysfunction<\/strong>: In certain conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, lower doses of chemotherapeutic medications can help manage an overactive immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-does-chemotherapy-work\"><\/span><strong>How does chemotherapy work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chemotherapy medications come in a variety of forms that each operate differently to kill cancer cells. Some may obstruct the growth and division of these cells. Others can aid in the self-destruction of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can also block critical blood and nutrients from reaching\u00a0the tumor. For this treatment to be most effective, a specific type of cancer will be selected for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. cure cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. inhibit cancer cell development<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. prevent cancer cells from spreading to other regions of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. kill cancer cells that may have moved from the primary tumor to other sections of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. alleviate cancer-related symptoms<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"chemotherapeutic-agents\"><\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/types-of-chemotherapeutic-agents\/\">Chemotherapeutic agents<\/a><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chemotherapeutic medicines are classified according to their chemical structures and how they operate on cancer cells:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Alkylating agents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alkylating compounds were among the first anti-cancer medications and are still among the most regularly used chemotherapeutic agents today. Alkylating chemicals cause cross-linking of DNA strands, unusual base pairing, or DNA strand breakage, stopping the cell from reproducing. Alkylating drugs are typically thought to be cell cycle phase nonspecific, which means they kill cells at several stages of the cell cycle. &nbsp;When a cancer cell is in its resting phase and not actively dividing, alkylating drugs are most effective. E.g., Busulfan (Myleran), Cyclophosphamide<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Antimetabolites<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Antimetabolites imitate cancer cell components and function at key stages of a cancer cell&#8217;s life cycle to impair its capacity to divide. They disrupt the RNA and DNA of cells. Anti-metabolites are active when cells divide. Fluorauracil, methotrexate, and fludarabine are a few examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Antimetabolites are only active during the cell cycle. Antimetabolites are most effective during the S phase of cell division because they primarily act on cells that are conducting DNA synthesis in order to produce new cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant alkaloids<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines are&nbsp;manufactured from natural ingredients. This class of medicines can inhibit a cell&#8217;s capacity to divide and become two cells, and it can also repair cell damage. Vincristine, Paclitaxel, and Topotecan are a few examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hormonal agent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Corticosteroid hormones and sex hormones are the two categories of hormonal medicines used in cancer treatment. Some cancers (leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma) are treated with corticosteroids. Steroids are also used to minimize edoema around brain and spinal cord tumors. In combination with&nbsp;chemotherapy, steroids are used with other chemotherapy medicines. Corticosteroids include Prednisone and Dexamethasone. Tamoxifen and Leuprolide are two examples of sex hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topoisomerase inhibitors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Topoisomerase inhibitors work by weakening the structure of cancer cells, which is required for them to divide. E.g., Etoposide, Irinotecan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Antitumor antibiotics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Antitumor drugs are nonspecific for the cell cycle. They work by attaching to DNA and inhibiting RNA (ribonucleic acid) synthesis, an essential step in the production of proteins that are required for cell survival. &nbsp;For example, Cosmegen Dactinomycin Daunorubicin, Bleomycin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"-side-effects-occur-during-chemotherapy\"><\/span><strong>&nbsp;Side effects occur during chemotherapy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>feeling and being sick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hair loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a sore mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dry, sore, or itchy skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>neuropathy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lymphedema<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>memory problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>concentration problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>diarrhea or constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damage to lung tissue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infertility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kidney problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nerve damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"references\"><\/span><strong>References<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1080\/02841860151116204<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.ncis.com.sg\/Cancer-Information\/Documents\/Pages\/Patient-Education-Brochures\/Chemotherapy%20Guide%20%28English%29%203.pdf<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chemotherapy#side-effects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chemotherapy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used and effective cancer treatments. It kills rapidly developing cells, such as cancer cells, and prevents them from proliferating. Chemotherapy medications may be &#8230; <a title=\"Chemotherapy: Introduction, Types, Side Effects\u00a0\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/chemotherapy-types-side-effect\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chemotherapy: Introduction, Types, Side Effects\u00a0\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":50332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1058],"tags":[3078,3079,3080,2810,3081],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50330"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50330"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50333,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50330\/revisions\/50333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}