Chemotherapy in Panama

First of all, chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses a combination of carefully administered drugs under strict supervision to treat cancer patients.
Undoubtedly, today it is classified as one of the main protocols used for the treatment of malignant tumors; since it has been proven to be highly effective in stopping the growth of cancer cells and their multiplication.

What does chemotherapy consist of?

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment used to fight cancer and other diseases.
It involves the use of drugs known as chemotherapeutic agents, which are administered to destroy the cancer cells or inhibit their growth.

Although it is an effective treatment, chemotherapy can have significant side effects that we will discuss later.

What are the different applications of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is usually given in combination with other treatments (radiation and surgery are among the most common). However, depending on what is expected to be achieved at the end of the complete treatment cycle , it is possible to identify some very precise applications:

CURATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY

It is the main purpose of any cancer treatment, as long as this is a feasible option; that is, when the disease has been diagnosed early.

Advantages

- Healing potential: Curative chemotherapy aims to completely eliminate the cancer and achieve a lasting remission.
- Comprehensive treatment: Multiple chemotherapy drugs are used to attack cancer from different angles, increasing the chances of success.
- Shrinking the tumor: Curative chemotherapy can shrink the malignant tumor before surgery or radiation therapy, making it easier to remove.

Risks

- Significant side effects: Curative chemotherapy can cause significant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and immune system suppression.
- Toxicity to healthy cells: Although curative chemotherapy targets malignant cells, it can also affect healthy cells in the body, which can cause unwanted side effects.

NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used before surgery to try to control the spread of the malignant tumor, and thus be able to favorably manage complementary treatments.
This is one of the most frequent and effective uses; in which case the specialist schedules the surgery based on the results obtained.

Advantages

Shrinking the tumor before the main treatment, which may make it easier to remove or destroy the tumor.

Risks

Possible side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and immune system suppression.

ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

In the case of adjuvant chemotherapy, the aim is to prevent the spread of the cancer (metastasis); since another previous method has been applied to control it, usually surgery.

Advantages

Reducing the risk of cancer recurrence after main treatment

Risks

Side effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakened immune system).

PALLIATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY

It focuses on offering greater well-being to the cancer patient when it has been diagnosed late, it is not possible to operate, or despite this, their situation is complex and their disease is advanced.

Advantages

Improvement of symptoms and quality of life in patients with advanced or terminal diseases.

Risks

Appearance of recurrent symptoms, including: vomiting, nausea and fatigue; as well as the presence of a weakened immune system.

MONOCHEMOTHERAPY / POLYCHEMOTHERAPY

These methods of giving chemotherapy vary in the way the treatment is delivered. While the first consists of the application of a single drug to control the neoplasm, the second is oriented towards the combination of different compounds. Each of these methods is applied according to the type of cancer, the size of the tumor and other aspects that have been evaluated by the specialist, establishing the appropriate dose of chemotherapy.

Advantages

Monochemotherapy and polychemotherapy can be really effective in treating different types of cancer.

Risks

In addition to the common side effects: nausea, vomiting, tiredness, weight loss, and hair. Polychemotherapy can have a greater impact on the body due to the use of multiple drugs.

CONCOMITANT RADIOCHEMOTHERAPY

Finally, this form of chemotherapy combines the cycle of pharmacological treatment with radiotherapy, so that these help to enhance the effect of one or both with respect to the malignant tumour.

Advantages

Synergy between radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Risks

Possible combined side effects of both treatments and radiation-related problems.

Types of chemotherapy we can help you with

Chemotherapy treatment It can be given in different ways, depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s needs. Some of the most common forms of administration include:

Intravenous chemotherapy

In this form of administration, the drugs are injected directly into one of the patient’s veins; This allows the drugs to be quickly distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy

Intra-arterial chemotherapy It is administered through an artery. It is important to note that this is used in specific cases and is not as common as intravenous chemotherapy. Drugs used in intra-arterial chemotherapy They are used to treat certain types of cancer such as liver cancer, where they are administered directly into the artery that supplies blood to the tumor. This allows the chemotherapy drugs are concentrated in the affected area; further reducing side effects in other parts of the body.

Oral chemotherapy

Some chemotherapy drugs They are available in pill or liquid form that can be taken by mouth. This form of administration is more convenient for patients, as they can take the medications at home.

Topical chemotherapy

In certain cases, chemotherapy drugs can be applied directly to the skin in the form of creams, gels or lotions. This type of chemotherapy treatment is mainly used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

Intrathecal chemotherapy

In this form of administration, the drugs are injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain; being especially useful for the treatment of some types of cancer that affect the central nervous system.

What drugs are applied in chemotherapies?

As a result of the choice of drug treatment; There are a large number of antineoplastic drugs that must be carefully selected and administered according to what is desired for the benefit of the patient.

In this sense, it is possible that some medications work in different ways and even cause general side effects in some cases or with variations from person to person.

It is also important to know that the specialist doctor evaluates each of the drugs to select which ones can be combined, what is the correct dose of chemotherapy, what is the appropriate frequency of administration and at what time it is necessary to carry out its application.

ALKYLATING AGENTS

First we find this group that brings together benefits for the treatment of many types of cancer, including: leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, sarcomas, ovarian or lung cancer.
In any case, these are very powerful drugs that affect and cause damage at the level of cellular DNA to prevent cancer from progressing, limiting the ability of women to reproduce. malignant cells.

However, this apparently advantageous action can become a problem if the dose is exceeded; since the damage caused by this type of medication can affect the bone marrow and consequently cause leukemia a few years later.
Also within this group are Nitrosoureas; alkylating agents capable of reaching the brain for the treatment of some tumors that develop there.

ANTIMETABOLITES

Then there are antimetabolites, a group of drugs that alter DNA and RNA molecules to also impede their reproductive capacity.
In particular, this type of antineoplastic drugs is commonly applied in the treatment of breast, ovarian or intestinal tract cancers; as well as leukemias and other types of cancer.

ANTITUMOR ANTIBIOTICS

Meanwhile, there are also drugs that work under the same principle of a regular antibiotic (used in the treatment of infections); but in which case it alters the structure of the DNA to prevent its multiplication and growth.

Among these are anthracyclines; a group of antitumor antibiotics that are inserted into the DNA molecule, affect the enzymes that stimulate cell reproduction and prevent the multiplication of these cells.

However, a particular care that must be taken into account during the administration of this type of drug is the harmful action it is capable of exerting on the heart; where they can cause irreversible damage.

That is why they are applied in controlled doses so that they can be received without problems (cumulative dose).

TOPOISOMERASE INHIBITORS

In the same way, these drugs, also known as plant-based alkaloids, fulfill a precise function by altering topoisomerase enzymes (responsible for separating sections of DNA so that it can later copy itself).

In this sense, they are drugs commonly used for the treatment of different neoplasms of the intestinal tract (stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas), ovaries, lung and leukemias.

MITOSIS INHIBITORS

Similarly, other plant-based alkaloids are mitosis inhibitors; a basic cellular function that allows cell division as part of the process of forming new cells.

As a result of this alteration, it is possible for normal cells to suffer significant damage that prevents them from synthesizing the proteins necessary for their reproduction, which can lead to other types of consequences.

What are the chemotherapy plans like?

Chemotherapy plans are treatment regimens designed specifically for each cancer patient, based on the nature and stage of the cancer, the person’s overall health, and treatment goals.

Frequency and Duration

The frequency and duration of chemotherapy often varies from person to person.
Some patients may need daily chemotherapy sessions, while others may have weekly or monthly appointments.

Often, treatments are given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest to allow the body to recover.

Efficiency

The effectiveness of chemotherapy is a multifaceted issue.
It can be highly effective for some types of cancer, while for others, it may be less effective.
Chemotherapy is sometimes used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to increase overall effectiveness.

Customization

Each chemotherapy plan is unique, and so is each patient.
Doctors consider a number of factors to design a chemotherapy cycle that fits perfectly.

Final considerations

Although chemotherapy is one of the main treatments applied to our cancer patients, its adverse effects can cause great discomfort and deterioration.
Consequently, although this affectation is transitory, it can cause toxicity; affecting the patient’s general health conditions, causing weakness and sometimes making it necessary to temporarily interrupt antineoplastic treatment.

As well as the side effects vary depending on the medication that has been administered; Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, anemia, diarrhea, constipation and/or bleeding are among the most frequent.

Discover New Hope in the Fight Against Cancer

Trust the leader of chemotherapy, Dr. Roberto Garcia!

The cure is possible, every day science continues to advance!

In addition to chemotherapy, Dr. Roberto Garcia can offer you other cutting-edge approaches.
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