What is chemotherapy and biotherapy?
Your personalized treatment plan may include chemotherapy and biotherapy. Chemotherapy is the process of treating and eliminating cancer cells through chemical substances and medicines, sometimes called “anticancer” drugs. Chemotherapy may be used as the primary treatment to stop cancer cells from dividing or growing. It can also be used to help shrink a tumor prior to surgery or radiation treatment, or to destroy any small groups of cells that may remain following surgery.
Biotherapy is similar to chemotherapy in using targeted medicine to improve the immune system, allowing it to better fight cancer and infection. In addition to limiting the spread of cancer, biotherapy drugs can also reduce some of the side effects of cancer and further improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments
When is chemotherapy treatment used?
Chemotherapy treatment is one of the most common tools used to fight cancer. It can be used to help shrink a tumor before surgery or radiation treatment. It can also be used after surgery to destroy any cancerous cells that may remain after a tumor is removed.
Chemotherapy is given in repeating “cycles.” The length of time between cycles and the total number of cycles to be given is determined by each individual treatment plan.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy drugs are most often given intravenously—by IV. Chemotherapy pills can also be used to treat specific types of cancer. Sometimes, your doctor will recommend an implanted portacath, or port, for IV treatments. Ports help make sure no chemotherapy leaks out into the surrounding tissue. Ports spare the arm veins and may make getting the medication easier, especially if there will be multiple treatments over a long period of time.
When is biotherapy used?
Your Team at Intermountain Cancer Center
Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs work to kill growing cancer cells and stop them from spreading. However, chemotherapy medications can also harm normal healthy cells, including those found in our nervous system, bones, mouth, stomach and throat, and hair follicles.
Side effects from chemotherapy are usually temporary and go away once the treatment ends. However, knowing what to expect can help you and your loved ones prepare.
Common Physical Side Effects
Depending on your treatment, you may lose your hair. This is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. While it is only a cosmetic change, it can be difficult to deal with emotionally, especially for women. It can help to remember it is only temporary. Wigs, hats, and scarves can all disguise hair loss. Ask your provider about options that may aid in avoiding hair loss.
Another common symptom is changes to your nerves and muscles. You may find yourself more weak, sore, or achy. Loss of balance, shaking, or tingling is also normal. These changes to your nervous system and muscles will improve over time. However, it may take up to one year following the conclusion of your treatment. Be patient with yourself as your body heals and recovers.
As chemotherapy drugs leave your body, they may cause some discomfort or damage to the bladder and kidneys. The color or smell of your urine may change, and you may experience more frequent or more painful urination. In some cases, it may be difficult to urinate or have a bowel movement at all. You can limit the impact to your digestive system by drinking lots of liquids. Be sure to keep your medical team up to date on all effects, too.
Due to the nature of chemotherapy drugs, your reproductive organs may also undergo changes. Both men and women may experience infertility during treatment, so if you are considering having children in the future you may want to talk to your doctor about banking sperm or harvesting eggs prior to treatment.
Other Side Effects
Chemotherapy treatments can also be overwhelming mentally and emotionally. You may find it difficult to process or remember things, which can be frustrating to both you and your family.
Your doctor, nurses, and other caregivers have the resources to help you and your family manage side effects resulting from your chemotherapy. And while there may be negative symptoms, chemotherapy has been proven to be highly effective in killing cancer, helping you live a longer, healthier life.
Nutrition During Chemotherapy Treatment
Loss of Smell, Taste, and Appetite
One of the side effects of chemotherapy treatment may be changes to your sense of smell and taste and a decrease in appetite. You may find that many foods seem to have less taste. Other foods, especially meat or other high-protein foods, may taste bitter or metallic. You may also experience nausea or have soreness in your mouth and gums that may make it difficult to eat.
What You Can Do
- Despite these side effects it is crucial to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to recover. Try to find flavors and foods that still appeal to you.
- Rather than eating three large meals a day, instead try to eat five or six smaller meals.
- If you experience an aversion to red meat, try substituting poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, or fish instead. You can also try marinating meat in fruit juices, wine, Italian dressing, sweet-and-sour-sauce, or other sauces. Ginger or mint are good seasonings to use, as both can help decrease nausea.
- If you struggle with nausea, try to limit the smell of cooking food in your home. Instead, try meals that are served cold or at room temperature, like sandwiches and salads.
- If you experience a metallic taste in your mouth, using plastic utensils may help.
- Continue to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. Fruit and vegetable smoothies and juices are a good option if cooked vegetables are unappetizing.
Work With Your Provider
While it may be difficult, it is important to keep eating. You can work with your medical team to adjust your treatments and find nutritional solutions. And always tell your doctor about any constipation, uncontrolled pain as a result of eating, or nausea that you experience.
What to Expect After Chemotherapy
Your energy levels will most likely be lower after each chemotherapy treatment. Be sure to stay hydrated and eat whatever foods sound good. Maintaining nutrition will help with your overall energy. Try to pace yourself in your daily activities. After you complete a task, you will probably need to rest. While it can be frustrating, fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. It can help to remember it is only temporary.
Your medical team can help keep fatigue and nausea under control. Be sure to tell them if any symptoms seem unusual or severe.
Chemotherapy vs. Radiation
Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. The treatment is delivered through an infusion into a vein or medication port, or it can be taken orally.
Radiation therapy involves giving high doses of radiation beams directly into a tumor. The radiation changes the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die.
Your medical team at Intermountain Cancer Center will recommend which therapy (or sometimes both) to use in order to treat your cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does chemotherapy cost?
Chemotherapy costs can vary depending on the drugs used, the length of your treatment, and your insurance coverage. We know that financial worries can make a challenging time even harder, and we’re here for you. Intermountain Healthcare offers financial assistance for patients, as well as discounts for uninsured patients. Learn more here >
At what stage of cancer is chemotherapy used?
Every individual’s treatment plan is different, because cancer presents itself differently in every body. Your treatment team will determine the best course of action based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) standards and the type and stage of your cancer.
How long does chemotherapy take?
Each chemotherapy treatment can take several hours. At the infusion center, you’ll need to allow some time for the dose to be mixed, along with time for the treatment itself. Depending on the drug, your treatment may take place at the infusion center only, or also at home over the course of a day or two.
Your medical team can give you more details about how long chemotherapy takes.
Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss?
Chemotherapy medications are designed to destroy cancer cells in the body that divide rapidly. However, there are cells in other parts of your body that also divide rapidly but aren’t cancer cells. These include your hair follicles. Chemotherapy drugs can destroy these cells, too, leading to temporary hair loss.
How long does chemotherapy last?
Treatment plans vary. Because every cancer and every patient is different, it is hard to answer how long chemotherapy lasts. Your treatment team at Intermountain Cancer Center will determine the best course of action based on the type and stage of your cancer.
How often is chemotherapy given?
Chemotherapy is usually given in “cycles.” A cycle is one or more medications given on a single day or over several days in a row. Each cycle time could be hours or even days, depending on the medication. Cycles are repeated weekly, every other week, or monthly, according to your treatment plan.
How is chemotherapy administered?
Chemotherapy drugs are most often given intravenously—by IV. Chemotherapy pills can also be used, depending on your treatment plan.