Chemotherapy
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¢ Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy means treatment with medicines or chemicals. Today, the term “chemotherapy” has come to refer specifically to treating cancer with drugs.

The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells. There are many different chemotherapy drugs. They work in different ways and cause different side effects. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, which means the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Because some drugs work better in combination with another drug, chemotherapy often consists of more than one drug. This is called “combination chemotherapy."

Today, there are over 100 drugs that are used to treat cancer. There are even more drugs still under development and investigation.

¢ Chemotherapy is available at St. John's Clinic-Cancer & Hematology on the main campus in Springfield (417-820-8099), St. John's Clinic-Rolla-Cancer & Hematology (573-426-6079) and St. John's Hospital-Lebanon's Curry Cancer Center.

How Is Chemotherapy Given?

¢ As a pill to swallow.
¢ As an injection into the muscle or fat tissue.
¢ Intravenously (directly to the bloodstream; also called IV).
¢ Topically (applied to the skin).
¢ Directly into a body cavity.

Chemotherapy is given in cycles with treatment periods followed by recovery periods. The drugs may be given by mouth or by injection into a vein or muscle. Most patients have chemotherapy in an outpatient setting. Depending on which drugs are given and your general health, a stay in the hospital may be necessary during your treatment.

After Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs cannot tell the difference between cancer cells and normal cells that are growing rapidly. Therefore, rapidly growing cells, such as hair, mouth, blood cells and stomach cells are also affected by the treatment.

Because of this, patients receiving chemotherapy may experience tiredness, a sore mouth, diarrhea and/or hair loss.

Chemotherapy drugs can sometimes cause nausea or vomiting because of their effects on the intestine or on the vomiting control center in the brain. It is difficult to predict who will and who will not experience after effects. You may be among those who have few problems. Medicines and other treatments can help you cope with these after effects and your health care team is trained to help you manage reactions.

Many patients experience limited after effects.

If Your Doctor Recommends Chemotherapy

¢ Ask your health care team about possible side effects and about what you can do to prevent or reduce them.

¢ Always take your treatments as prescribed by your doctor.

¢ Ask questions about your treatment. Discuss changes before they are made.

¢ If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call the office.

¢ Avoid people who have colds or infections.