Chemotherapy

Definition of Chemotherapy:

A treatment of disease by any chemicals.  Used most often to refer to the chemical treatments used to combat cancer cells.  Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on.  Most anticancer drugs are given by injection into a blood vessel (IV); some are given by mouth.  Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.  Usually, a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient (at the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home).  However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, a short hospital stay may be needed.

Topics Related to Chemotherapy

(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects

...our question about Your lymphocyte count
“Certain drugs, such as steroids and chemotherapy drugs, can cause a decreased lymphocyte count...”

A Low Platelet Count

...the condition
“...Secondary ITP can also occur as the result of chemotherapy treatments...”
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More topics Related to Chemotherapy

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

...the condition
“...These include ... Exposure to chemotherapy used to treat cancers such as breast cancer, cancer of the ovary or the lymphomas...”

Andropause/Male Menopause

...the condition
“...of systemic lupus erythematosis, subtle genetic abnormalities which permit normal adult development but lead to premature testicular failure, generalized vascular diseases such as diabetes, chemotherapy, and pituitary tumors (rare)...”

Astragalus Root

...as a treatment
“...The herb appears to be effective in strengthening immune response in people who undergo radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer...”

Beta 1,3 Glucan

...as a treatment
“...supplementation include ... People with impaired immunity from any cause including but not restricted to HIV infection; people with high occurrence of infectious diseases, tumors and undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy; age people aged 40+ when the natural aging process starts to slow down immune reactivity, geriatric patients, and others with a compromised immune response...”

Bile Duct Cancer

...the condition
“...Treatment may include surgery or chemotherapy.  If the cancer cannot be entirely removed, the principal goals of therapy become the relief of symptoms caused by the accumulation of bile, and relief from pain...”

Bladder Cancer

...the condition
“...Treatment for bladder cancer varies from patient to patient and includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these therapies...”

Blood Transfusion

...as a treatment
“...lymphoma); Treating anemia that has not responded to other treatments; Platelet Transfusion to treat low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) caused by: Severe infection; Sepsis; Liver cirrhosis; Chemotherapy; Bone marrow transplant; Cancer (e.g. lymphoma, leukemia); Plasma Transfusion to help with blood clotting After severe bleeding (trauma, surgery, childbirth); Conditions that impair...”

Bone Cancer

...the condition
“...Primary bone cancers occur more frequently in children and young adults, particularly in those who have had radiation or chemotherapy treatments for other conditions...”

Brain Tumor

...the condition
“...Even the old standbys – surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy – are much more sophisticated now, allowing removal of previously inoperable tumors, and delivery of radiation or cancer-killing drugs directly to the tumor to decrease side-effects...”

Breast Cancer

...recommendation DIM / I3C
“...By 2007, both DIM and genistein were being developed for use as a preventive and a chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, although more extensive toxicological studies were necessary.”
...recommendation Conventional Drug Avoidance
Chemotherapy given to women with early-stage breast cancer causes their bone density to decline at a faster rate than previously known, increasing the risk of osteoporosis...”

Cancer, General

...the condition
“...As a general principle, when weight loss has occurred or is significant prior to the start of chemotherapy, the survival rate is reduced...”
...recommendation Turmeric
“Laboratory and animal research suggests that curcumin (the ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow color) may prevent cancer, slow its spread, enhance the effects of chemotherapy, and protect healthy cells from radiation damage...”

Carcinoid Cancer

...the condition
“...Chemotherapy, with many choices available, has been in use since the early 1980s...”

CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test

...as a treatment
“...Some diseases, such as cancer (and chemotherapy treatment), can affect bone marrow production of cells, increasing the production of one cell at the expense of others or decreasing overall cell production...”

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

...the condition
“...Antibiotics are used to treat infection; antiviral drugs and chemotherapy drugs can be used in the accelerated phase of the disease; surgery may be needed to drain abscesses...”

Chemotherapy

...as a treatment
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemical substances to kill fast-growing cells in the body...”

Chemotherapy Side-Effects

...the condition
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells...”
...our question about Long-lasting mouth sores
“Mouth sores during chemotherapy are one of the most common short term side-effects.”
...relationship to Bone Marrow Suppression
“Nearly all chemotherapy cause a short-term reduction in bone marrow function.”
...relationship to Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia
“Some chemotherapy agents are known inhibitors of folic acid enzymes and as such can induce a megaloblastic anemia.”
...recommendation Marijuana
“Marijuana is being used to counteract the toxicity of chemotherapy...”

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

...the condition
“...Treatment options for CML have expanded greatly and may include: chemotherapy, biologic therapy, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), surgery...”

Clostridium Difficile Infection

...the condition
“...Other risk factors that predispose a person to C. diff infection include previous C. diff infection, gastrointestinal surgery, preexisting intestinal disease, a weak immune system, chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, old age, kidney disease, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs such as Nexium, Prevacid, or Prilosec) which reduce the amount of stomach acid present...”

Colon Cancer

...recommendation Aspirin
“...2007, the death rate for those prescribed aspirin was about half that of the non-aspirin users, with the greatest benefit occurring among those with more advanced cancer and in those who received no chemotherapy.  In October of 2012, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine also showed that aspirin therapy could improve colon cancer survival rates.”

Cushing's Syndrome / Hypercortisolism

...the condition
“...Treatment depends on the specific reason for cortisol excess and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or the use of cortisol-inhibiting drugs...”

Cystine

...as a treatment
“...The N-Acetyl form of Cysteine; helps prevent chemotherapy side-effects and radiation therapy side effects; increases glutathione levels in the lungs, kidneys, liver and bone marrow and has an anti-aging effect on the body...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...Less common causes of chronic bloody diarrhea include ischemia, infections (Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile, Entamoeba histolytica, Yersinia and Cytomegalovirus), radiation or chemotherapy, and colon cancer or polyps (villous adenoma)...”

Endocarditis

...the condition
“...This occurs most commonly in patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS or those who have undergone chemotherapy.  The most common cause – a bacterial infection – may present in two ways...”

Esophagitis

...the condition
“...by organisms such as candida, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or herpes simplex; diseases and conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV; poorly-controlled diabetes; immunodeficiency disorders; chemotherapy; long-term steroid use; malnutrition; chemicals that are swallowed; pills that become stuck in the esophagus; medications and supplements such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs...”

Female Hair Loss

...the condition
“...Common causes of hair loss or hair thinning in women ... antimitotics – such as those used for chemotherapy...”

Fennel

...as a treatment
“...Other benefits of Fennel ... after chemotherapy and radiation...”

Gallbladder Cancer

...the condition
“...Treatment options for gallbladder cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and palliative therapy (controlling symptoms, but not curing the cancer)...”

Ginger Root

...as a treatment
“...Ginger also may be useful in easing the nausea that frequently follows chemotherapy treatments...”

Green Tea

...as a treatment
“...It is especially beneficial to chemotherapy patients who experience declining cell counts...”

Hepatitis

...the condition
“...NK activity can be impaired by surgery and chemotherapy.  Moderate exercise does not depress the immune system, but very strenuous exercise does...”

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

...recommendation Chemotherapy
“...Treatment usually involves radiation therapy or chemotherapy.  The doctors may decide to use one treatment method or a combination of methods...”

Hypogonadism, Male

...the condition
“...Klinefelters, surgical removal, bilateral mumps related orchitis, toxic damage by alcohol, heavy metals or chemotherapy.  Secondary (gonadotropin) hypogonadism – Caused by a pituitary failure or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation; characterized by low serum testosterone levels...”

Kaposi's Sarcoma

...the condition
“...There are four main types of treatment for KS: surgery (removing the tumors), chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells), radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and biological or immunotherapy (using the body's immune system to fight the cancer)...”

Keratoses

...the condition
“...Actinic keratoses can also be treated by retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), topical chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil), chemical peel, dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing...”
...relationship to Weakened Immune System
“An immune system that is weakened, for example by chemotherapy or AIDS, is less able to fight off the effects of the sun radiation.”

Kidney Cancer

...the condition
“...Aside from surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, treatment options include the following...”
...recommendation Chemotherapy
“Unfortunately, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has proven to be particularly resistant to chemotherapy.  Research to develop more effective chemotherapy drugs to treat RCC is ongoing.”

Laryngeal Cancer

...the condition
“...Depending on the size, location, and time of cancer detection, one or more of the following approaches may be used: radiation therapy, chemotherapy, partial laryngectomy...”
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More topics Related to Chemotherapy

Leukemia

...the condition
“...Some medications used in chemotherapy also carry some risk...”

Liver Cancer

...the condition
“...Treatment for advanced liver cancer may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both...”

Low White Blood Cell Count

...relationship to Chemotherapy Side-Effects
“Radiation therapy and chemotherapy destroy fast-growing cells such as white blood cells...”

Lung Cancer

...the condition
“...Conventional treatment generally includes surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy (radiotherapy)...”

Mastocytosis

...the condition
“...When mastocytosis is malignant, cancerous, or associated with a blood disorder, steroids and/or chemotherapy may be prescribed.”

Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia

...the condition
“...Other causes include leukemia, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma, certain hereditary disorders, drugs that affect nucleic acid metabolism such as chemotherapy agents (methotrexate)...”

Multiple Myeloma

...the condition
“...In these cases, postponing therapy may help avoid unnecessary side-effects and the risk of complications associated with chemotherapy and delay development of resistance to chemotherapy...”
...recommendation Vitamin K
“Many patients on high dose chemotherapy for lymphoma or myeloma test positive for prothrombin precursor PIVKA II...”

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

...the condition
“...Risk factors for MDS include ... Previous chemotherapy or radiation exposure...”

Myelofibrosis

...the condition
“...Other possible treatments include blood transfusions, anemia medications, radiation and chemotherapy, or splenectomy (if swelling becomes severe, or to reduce anemia...”

Neutropenia

...relationship to Chemotherapy Side-Effects
“The most common reason that cancer patients experience neutropenia is as a side-effect of chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia typically occurs 3-7 days following administration of the chemotherapy drugs and continues for several days before recovering to normal levels...”

Night Sweats

...the condition
“...Chemotherapy (leaches the body of estrogen, which brings on menopause); HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, Hodgkin's Lymphoma and other fever-producing / immuno-suppressing disorders diseases; Diabetes...”

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

...the condition
“...Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments...”
...recommendation Vitamin K
“Many patients on high dose chemotherapy for lymphoma or myeloma test positive for prothrombin precursor PIVKA II...”

Osteonecrosis

...the condition
“...Bones may also be affected by the use of certain drugs such as corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), or radiation and chemotherapy used in treating cancer patients...”

Osteoporosis - Osteopenia

...recommendation Conventional Drug Avoidance
“...These include cortisone, blood thinners, antacids containing aluminum, chemotherapy, lithium, and certain antibiotics.”

Ovarian Cancer

...the condition
“...Depending on the stage of the disease, conventional treatment options for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and biological therapy...”

Ozone / Oxidative Therapy

...as a treatment
“...In some cases, bio-oxidative therapies are administered alone, while in others they are used in addition to traditional medical procedures (such as surgery or chemotherapy) or as adjuncts to alternative health practices...”

Pericarditis

...the condition
“...or heart surgery), bacterial infection (especially tuberculosis), autoimmune disease, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, cancers such as breast or lung cancer, some cancer treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), and side-effects of other medications such as penicillin...”

Poor/Slow Wound Healing

...relationship to Chemotherapy Side-Effects
“Most chemotherapy drugs inhibit cell functions that are critical to proper wound repair.”
...relationship to (Prescription) Drug Side-Effects
“...Examples include drugs that interfere with clot formation, platelet function, inflammatory responses, or cell proliferation; certain steroids, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs.”

Psoriasis

...the condition
“...It may be aggravated by injury or irritation (cuts, burns, rash, insect bites), and it may be severe in immunosuppressed people (such as with chemotherapy for cancer, or with AIDS) or those who have autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis...”

Pulmonary Fibrosis

...the condition
“...Causes include ... certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs or certain antibiotics...”

Radiation Therapy

...related topic
“...Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment with radiation may be given alone or with chemotherapy.  Radiation therapy is local therapy; it affects cancer cells only in the treated area...”

Rectal Cancer

...the condition
“...There are three types of conventional treatment ... Chemotherapy (usually Stage II and higher...”

Rhabdomyosarcoma

...the condition
“...Surgery is usually the primary treatment followed by intensive chemotherapy and radiation...”

Rosy Periwinkle

...as a treatment
“...Like many drugs used in chemotherapy, both alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine) produce side-effects such as nausea and hair loss.”

Shiitake Mushrooms

...as a treatment
“...Shiitake extract is even being tested for use with modern chemotherapy drugs to lessen their toxic effects on healthy tissue and the immune system...”

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

...the condition
“...Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations and stress...”

Small Intestine Cancer

...the condition
“...Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be useful if the cancer is widespread; radiation therapy also may be helpful if there is widespread disease or if local tumors come back...”

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

...the condition
“...Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells...”

Stomach Cancer

...recommendation Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to try to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back...”

Susceptibility To Cavities

...the condition
“...These include bulimics, those with Sjogren's syndrome, and those receiving therapeutic head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, or prolonged treatment with drugs that reduce salivary flow...”

Test Serum Uric Acid Levels

...as a treatment
“...The test also is ordered when a patient has undergone chemotherapy or radiation, to see if uric acid levels are getting dangerously high...”

Testicular Cancer

...the condition
“...Treatment might be a combination of testicle removal, radiation, or chemotherapy.  Surgical removal of lymph nodes usually is not necessary for seminoma patients because this type of tumor is especially sensitive to radiation...”

Thuja

...as a treatment
“...Some proponents claim that thuja decreases the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy...”

Thymic Factors

...as a treatment
“...People who have undergone radiation, chemotherapy or other immune-suppressing treatments also typically have low thymus function...”

Thymoma

...recommendation Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is sometimes given along with radiotherapy and can also be used when the tumor has spread to other parts of the body...”

Thyroid Cancer

...recommendation Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is not very effective against thyroid cancer...”

Ultraviolet Light Therapy

...as a treatment
“...UVB therapy is used to ... reduce the effects radiation or chemotherapy on the body...”

Vaginal Dryness

...the condition
“...These include ... chemotherapy or radiation treatment...”

Weakened Immune System

...relationship to West Nile Virus
“Anything that suppresses the immune system, such as AIDS, chemotherapy or organ transplantation, can make people more susceptible to West Nile virus.”
...relationship to Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
“Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations and stress.”
...relationship to Pneumonia
“People whose immune systems are suppressed, such as those with AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to pneumonia.”

Zeolites

...as a treatment
“...The pharmaceutical industry earns one trillion dollars each year from the sale of chemotherapy drugs.  Some argue that this is good reason for this industry not bringing forth a new therapies that will cure cancer...”
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