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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer by the use of cytotoxic (cell destroying) drugs. These have been thoroughly tested. Partly because of chemotherapy many people with cancer live full and happy lives.
Cancer chemotherapy is not new. It has been helping people since the early 1950s. Each year sees new treatments being tested and developed.

Chemotherapy (sometimes just called chemo) is the use of particular medicines to treat disease. These drugs can kill cancer cells, both in tumours and in the rest of the body. Chemo is usually a course of treatment which is given as several doses over a period of weeks. There are many different kinds of chemotherapy, and your doctor will discuss which ones they feel are options for you. Some chemotherapies are offered as part of a clinical trial. If your doctor thinks that a trial would be beneficial to you, they will discuss it fully with you

What is the goal of the chemotherapy for my cancer?

The goal of chemotherapy depends on many things, and depends on the type of cancer, how large it is and if it has spread. Chemotherapy can be used to:

  1. Cure cancer
  2. Keep the cancer from spreading
  3. Slow the cancers growth
  4. Kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body
  5. Relieve the symptoms that are being caused by the cancer

Chemotherapies, like all drugs, have different side effects, and your doctor will discuss these with you in more detail. Click here to find out some more about possible chemotheraphy side effects.

Before starting chemotherapy treatment you may have some investigations such as blood tests and scans. You may also be given drugs to help your body prepare for chemo. You will be asked to sign a consent form before the treatment begins

The chemotherapies most often used to treat ovarian cancer are:

  • Carboplatin
  • Cisplatin
  • Paclitaxel (Taxol)
  • Liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx)
  • Topotecan (Hycamptin)
  • Docetaxel (Taxotere)
  • Etoposide (Vepesid)
  • Gemcitabine (Gemzar)

Most of these drugs are administered into a vein, so you will need to be in the hospital to have them. The exact dosages, frequency and number of doses will depend on many factors, and the hospital team will talk you through the particulars of your treatment.

Macmillan provides more detailed factsheets on specific types of chemotherapy drugs; click here to access them.

Chemotherapy and your family

Cancer is not contagious, so you can go on being close to your family and friends. Having chemotherapy will not 'rub' off on others either. Depending on how your body reacts to the treatment, people may not notice at all.

Often friends and family want to help, especially if you are suffering from unpleasant side effects. Having some suggestions ready such as getting family to cook foods you feel like, or asking them to do little jobs if you feel tired will help them to be able to support you. Remember family and friends may feel very nervous about you during your chemotherapy. Letting them know how you feel and that their support means a lot to you will be reassuring. Getting into the habit of talking about your treatment with them will help them to understand if you have a bad day, and they will be reassured that when that happens, you will let them know.

Complementary therapies

Many people like to do all they can to help themselves during cancer treatment and recovery. Many therapies such as relaxation and gentle exercise will have no impact on your chemo, but it is important to let your doctors know if you are taking any drugs, supplements or therapies such as homeopathy. Many people find such supportive therapies a great help, but in rare instances they may interfere with your chemo treatment.