Oral Chemotherapy

Oral chemotherapy refers to the drugs administered orally as part of an extended or comprehensive drug treatment. Chemotherapy is medicine used in treating cancer and the ways to apply it are multiple. Nowadays, due to progress in cancer treatments and research, patients benefit from many different types of chemotherapy that can be taken in as tablet, liquid or capsule. Thus any drug that can be taken by mouth to treat cancer belongs to oral chemotherapy. The health impact of pills will be the same, with the mention that they are more likely to trigger adverse reactions because of the impact on the digestive tract.

The structure of certain medications makes them incompatible with oral chemotherapy, as they cannot be absorbed at the level of the stomach. So as to avoid side effects, many anti-cancer drugs are administered intravenously through a line. In the case of oral chemotherapy, the treatment has the advantage that the patient can follow it at home.

A good way to administer oral chemotherapy is by giving it in cycles. Thus, the possibility to damage healthy cells is reduced and drugs are allowed to destroy more cancerous cells. Obviously, it is for the doctor to establish the periodicity of the treatment whether daily, weekly or monthly. Anyway, the anti-cancer treatment scheme proposed by the specialist ought to be discussed with the patient so that she/he may know what lies ahead in terms of challenges, difficulties and success rate. Good information will stimulate the cancer sufferer to make a positive decision concerning the normal course of action.

Although oral chemotherapy drugs have a lower intensity in terms of adverse reactions and impact on the stomach, side effect do exist. The list of oral chemotherapy adverse reactions is very long and it generally includes fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anemia, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea and constipation, increased susceptibility to infections, kidney malfunctions, hair loss and various other sores and pains. For any of these side effects it is advisable that patients address their doctors for advice and help.

Filed Under: Chemotherapy