subject: What is Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy? [print this page] What is Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy? What is Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy mostly used for advanced stage lung cancer (stage 3B and 4) and main treatment of small cell lung cancer. It's usually used for assisting lung surgery to increase its outcome, this type of chemotherapy called neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy works by shrinking primary tumor cells, thereby rendering local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) less destructive and increase the treatment outcome. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy will makes the surgery less invasive.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy also used to make tumor area condition clearer because as a cancer grows the tissue surrounding the growth might show signs of inflammation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the difficulties and complications regarding cancer surgery. As neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinks the cancerous growth down it's easier for doctors to make a distinction between the cancerous and healthy tissue. This reduces the amount of healthy tissue removed during the actual surgical procedure.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy side effects that may appear: weight loss, memory loss, nausea, bone marrow, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, mouth sores, infection, anemia, and an increased chance of bleeding. Doctors and researchers are currently doing more study and research to find ways to lessen these effects by regulating dose density and the frequency of the therapy treatments. Although chemotherapy side effects are not a serious threat to your life, but some of them need urgent medical treatment. If these symptoms show, it's suggested you consult with your doctor:
a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
shivering
breathing difficulties
flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and pain
bleeding gums or nose
bleeding from other parts of the body that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes
mouth ulcers that stop you eating or drinking
vomiting that continues despite taking anti-sickness medication
four or more bowel movements a day or diarrhea
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy comes with side effects but it has proven to be the most effective in treating breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.
However, not all patients are suitable for this chemotherapy, especially if the side effects would render them unfit for surgery later. For many other cancer patients neoadjuvant chemotherapy provides a faster recover time and better mobility after lung surgery.
See more my other guide: list of chemotherapy drugs, chemotherapy side effects
