The full name of chemotherapy is chemical therapy, which is a traditional treatment method and the preferred approach for cancer adjuvant therapy due to its good efficacy and low cost. However, those with a basic understanding of chemotherapy know that the side effects of this treatment are actually quite significant. Does this mean we should give up on chemotherapy?

How Does Chemotherapy Treat Cancer?

There are three methods of administering chemotherapy: oral, body cavity, and intravenous. The primary mode of action is through systemic treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic substances with strong cell-killing effects. Therefore, it is a treatment method that comes at a relatively high cost, as while killing cancer cells, the body's own normal cells are also among the targets.

In addition to affecting patients, chemotherapy drugs also pose a significant threat to healthcare workers. This is because some highly volatile chemotherapy drugs can directly evaporate into the air and enter the human body through the respiratory tract or mouth, causing certain harm.

There are currently many types of chemotherapy drugs, each with different therapeutic effects. Some work by inhibiting DNA replication, others by inhibiting cell division, and still others by inducing apoptosis (self-destruction). The choice of drug for a patient depends on their individual condition and the type of cancer.

The three common side effects of chemotherapy

On the basis of achieving good treatment effects, it inevitably leads to backlash—that is, the side effects of chemotherapy, which emerge rapidly and can be quite severe. If not managed promptly, they may even impact subsequent cancer treatment.

Side Effect One: Digestive System Symptoms

Chemotherapy drugs can cause intense reactions in the digestive system, including nausea, vomiting, and even constipation or diarrhea, with nausea and vomiting being more common. Therefore, it is also necessary for patients undergoing chemotherapy to take antiemetic medications concurrently.

Side Effect Two: Impact on Immunity

That's why chemotherapy patients often need to wear masks to prevent infections from invading pathogens. Chemotherapy can suppress bone marrow proliferation, leading to reductions in white blood cells and platelets, and a corresponding decrease in immunity. Therefore, it's necessary to take immune-boosting medications when needed.

Side Effect Three: Hair Loss

This is also one of the most noticeable side effects of chemotherapy, likely due to the effect of chemotherapy drugs on hair follicles. However, hair loss is a reversible process, and hair will grow back after chemotherapy ends.

Chemotherapy also has other side effects, such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. It is essential to monitor liver and kidney function while taking the medication. If the side effects are particularly severe, you should inform your doctor so that they can adjust the medication or change the treatment plan.

The treatment of cancer is not based on a single drug; it typically involves combination therapy with multiple medications. This approach is adopted both to enhance efficacy and to reduce the side effects of the drugs. Therefore, it is best to seek treatment at a specialized hospital for cancer. Do not believe in unverified folk remedies or resort to desperate measures in a panic. It is important to understand that even a cancer diagnosis does not equate to a death sentence.