Colon Cancer Chemotherapy
May 2nd, 2010
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, you may be eligable for chemotherapy. Colon cancer chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill colon cancer cells. There are several types of chemotherapy each of which have side effects.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a term used by professionals to refer to drugs that can kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy was formed from mustard gases during the 1st World-War. The term “chemotherapy” literally means “chemical treatment” and is one way to help the body kill off cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in different ways, including intravenously by injection, intravenously with a pump, or even in pill form. If chemotherapy is given prior to surgery, it may shrink the tumor so that the surgeon can completely remove it with fewer complications.
Chemotherapy is sometimes recommended for stage 2 colon cancer, and most generally recommended for stage 3 and stage 4 colon cancer. Chemotherapy for colon cancer can involve one or more of eight possible drugs off the chemotherapy drugs list. 5-Fluorouracil is the most popular of these drugs. It is usually used in combination with leucovorin (a vitamin), making 5-FU more effective. 5-FU is given intravenously; however, a pill form has been developed recently. A variety of other drugs may be given to patients where the cancer has spread from the colon. Among the drugs given are Camptosar, Eloxatin, Avastin, Erbitux, and Vectibix.
Side Effects
Colon cancer chemotherapy is often associated with side effects. Chemotherapy is used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells ,but it also kills other rapidly dividing healthy cells in our bodies. Undergoing chemotherapy comes with significant side effects that can exhaust their body The side effects of chemotherapy may include:
Other side effects include lowered red and white blood cell count ,sun sensitivity, and darkening of the skin and nail beds. Effects on the bone marrow result in an increased risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts),and bleeding or bruising from minor injuries (due to low blood platelet counts). The drugs given and the individual make a difference in which side effects will manafest. Although not everyone will be effected the same way, each chemotherapy drug has side effects. In a lot cases, the uncomfortable effects can be treated or prevented with other drugs. A change in your diet may also help relieve some of the effects of the drugs. Many of the effects of chemotherapy are manageable, especially with the help of your doctors. Although it may take some time, when chemotherapy is stopped, the effects related to the drugs will wear off.Colon cancer chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the medications enter the bloodstream and travel through the body. Doctors can suggest ways to help relieve symptoms that may occur during and after a patients colon cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment strategy for you.
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