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Chemotherapy is the most common method of treating malignant tumors. Its task is to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body by destroying them. Unfortunately, chemotherapy also destroys healthy cells in the human body, which is why it is an extremely debilitating treatment for the body. One type of chemotherapy is palliative chemotherapy, used when the prognosis does not give a chance of successful treatment. Palliative chemotherapy is the administration of cytotoxic drugs and its aim is to extend the patient’s life.
Palliative chemotherapy – what does it mean?
Palliative chemotherapy it is used in cases where the patient’s prognosis is very poor and there is no possibility of further treatment. Palliative chemotherapy It aims to extend the life of cancer patients and improve the quality of life of such a person. The duration of palliative chemotherapy depends on individual circumstances; palliative chemotherapy usually takes several months.
An indication to start palliative chemotherapy is the finding of an inoperable stage of the tumor and numerous metastases that cannot be removed. Palliative chemotherapy however, only a person in good general health may be subjected to, and the age of the patient should not be higher than 70 years.
Palliative chemotherapy of neoplasms
Palliative chemotherapy it is possible in patients with various types of cancer. Palliative chemotherapy it is used in the case of cancers affecting the head and neck, including the larynx, pharynx, oral and nasal cavities and sinuses.
Palliative chemotherapy It is also taken into account in the case of inoperable neoplasms affecting the urinary system and the small pelvis. In such cases, cytotoxic drugs are administered intraperitoneally or intravenously.
Palliative chemotherapy it is also used in the case of soft tissue sarcomas.
It is worth bearing in mind that palliative chemotherapy it is not a form of treatment, but of reducing discomfort and alleviating ailments caused by cancer. Palliative chemotherapy never is associated with a prognosis of cure.
Palliative chemotherapy for lung cancer
For lung cancer palliative chemotherapy usually takes about 12 months. In up to 40 percent of patients palliative chemotherapy Lung cancer lasts 8-12 months, and 5-10 percent for up to 2 years.
Palliative chemotherapy for colorectal cancer
Palliative chemotherapy colorectal cancer is associated with the alleviation of local ailments and the prevention of metastases. It is common for colorectal cancer to metastasize the liver – then cytotoxic drugs are administered intra-arterially (hepatic artery). Unfortunately, intra-arterial administration of drugs is underway palliative chemotherapy is burdened with the highest risk of complications.
Palliative chemotherapy – how does it work?
Course palliative chemotherapy depends on the individual predisposition of the patient and the type of cancer he suffers from. During palliative chemotherapy medications can be administered in a variety of ways: intrathecally, orally, or intraarterially.
On the way of driving palliative chemotherapy is affected by the type of tumor, but the main goal of this method is to alleviate local ailments.
Palliative chemotherapy is carried out in courses, in the breaks between courses, the level of effectiveness of the therapy is checked. Determining the effectiveness palliative therapy it is possible after two courses. If it turns out that palliative chemotherapy slows down the growth of neoplastic cells, a decision is made to continue the therapy. In that cases palliative chemotherapy it is used until it is effective or until the body is already too exhausted to take further doses of drugs. It often happens that palliative chemotherapy they are accompanied by surgical procedures aimed at the current removal of neoplastic lesions, which has a positive effect on the patient’s quality of life.
Unfortunately, in some cases it is applicable palliative chemotherapy is not possible. These are cancers that do not respond to the drugs given, and their growth cannot be stopped.
Palliative chemotherapy it is used in all those patients for whom it is possible to improve the comfort of functioning and extend their life, with a relatively small number of side effects. When side effects palliative chemotherapy are too debilitating for the body, this form of therapy cannot be used.
Palliative chemotherapy – side effects
Drugs used in palliative chemotherapy – cytostatics – substances that cause numerous and bothersome side effects. Side effects administration of this group of drugs depends on the individual predisposition of the organism, the type of tumor, as well as the form and doses.
The most common side effects palliative therapy there are abnormalities in the functioning of the hematopoietic system and damage to the bone marrow. Symptoms such as persistent vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or problems with defecation are very common. Palliative chemotherapy it is usually accompanied by hair loss, skin and nail problems, as well as damage to the respiratory and nervous systems.
For nausea, you can try the Sea-Band Acupressure Anti-Nausea Bands for Children. There is also an adult version of the wristbands.
In the case of problems with hair, skin and nails, it is worth using specialized cosmetics designed specifically for people who undergo oncological treatment. These types of preparations are offered by the Oncoria brand. See the offer.