Chemotherapy in Gorgan

Chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs specifically designed to target cancer cells and prevent their growth or division. This treatment can help destroy cancer cells or stop their growth and is often prescribed as part of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can have various goals, ranging from curing cancer to controlling symptoms and preventing disease spread. If your doctor has chosen chemotherapy as part of your treatment plan, understanding the reasons for prescribing this treatment, how chemotherapy drugs are administered, and becoming familiar with its potential side effects can help you make informed treatment decisions and make the process more understandable and effective.

Introduction to Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is an effective method for treating cancer, in which specific drugs are used to stop the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. These drugs directly affect dividing cells and prevent them from abnormal multiplication and spread. Chemotherapy usually involves the use of one or more drugs simultaneously, which may be distributed throughout the body and target cancer cells in any part of the body.

These drugs are capable of killing dividing cells, and their effectiveness depends on the severity and stage of cancer progression. Normally, body cells divide continuously and in a controlled manner, but in cancer, cells proliferate uncontrollably and rapidly. This abnormal proliferation causes cancer cells to occupy space in tissues and disrupt the function of healthy cells. Chemotherapy intervenes in the cell division process, especially in cancer cells, helping treat this disease.

History of Chemotherapy

The use of chemical drugs dates back to ancient India and the Ayurvedic medical system, where combinations of metals and plants were used to treat diseases. In the 10th century, Persian physician Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi introduced chemicals like copper, mercury, and gold for the treatment of diseases. However, the first chemotherapy drug for cancer dates back to the early 20th century and is associated with mustard gas, which was initially used as a chemical weapon during World War I. Later, research showed that this gas had a temporary effect on patients with lymphoma. This discovery led to the development of chemotherapy drugs and the emergence of the modern pharmaceutical industry. The first modern chemotherapy drug, arsphenamine, was discovered by Paul Ehrlich, followed by the introduction of drugs such as sulfonamide and penicillin.

Reasons for Chemotherapy

This treatment is commonly used for various types of cancer due to the rapid growth of cancer cells compared to normal body cells. While chemotherapy can be effective, it comes with risks and side effects that may range from mild to severe.

The reasons for chemotherapy are as follows:

• Primary Cancer Treatment: In some cases, chemotherapy is used as the primary and only treatment to eliminate cancer cells.
• Adjuvant Therapy after Surgery: After surgery to remove a tumor, chemotherapy can help eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may still be present in the body.
• Assist with Other Treatments: Chemotherapy can be used to shrink tumors before surgery or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy to increase treatment effectiveness.
• Symptom Relief: In some cases, chemotherapy is used to alleviate symptoms and signs of cancer, such as pain and obstruction, especially when other treatments have been ineffective.

Use of Chemotherapy for Non-Cancerous Diseases

Chemotherapy is not only used for cancer treatment but also for certain non-cancerous conditions. In these cases, chemotherapy drugs are used to control or treat diseases related to the cells or systems of the body. Some of these applications include:

• Bone Marrow Diseases: Diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood cell production may be treated with a bone marrow transplant (also known as a stem cell transplant). Chemotherapy is often used as part of the bone marrow transplant process to prepare the body to accept new cells.
• Immune System Disorders: In some diseases where the immune system is overly active, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, chemotherapy can be used as an adjunctive treatment. In these situations, low doses of chemotherapy drugs are used to reduce immune system activity and control the disease.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Despite being effective in cancer treatment, chemotherapy can be associated with several side effects. These side effects vary depending on the type of drug, dosage, and the patient’s overall health. Most of these side effects are preventable or treatable and gradually decrease after the treatment is completed. Some of the common side effects of chemotherapy include:

• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Bleeding and bruising
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Pain
• Constipation

Planning for Chemotherapy Treatment

Planning for chemotherapy in Gorgan requires close collaboration between you and the best oncologist in Gorgan. In this process, the doctor determines which drug or combination of drugs is suitable for treatment based on the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s general health, and other individual factors. The doctor also decides on the dosage, method of administration, frequency of use, and the duration of treatment.

In many cases, chemotherapy is not the only treatment for the patient and may be combined with surgery, radiation therapy, or both. Factors that play a role in determining the treatment plan for cancer in Gorgan include:

• Type and subtype of cancer
• Stage of cancer (its spread)
• Results of various tests on the tumor
• The patient’s general health and medications being taken
• Presence of other health issues (such as heart, liver, or kidney diseases)
• Age of the patient

Chemotherapy Cycles in Gorgan

In cancer treatment in Gorgan, chemotherapy is typically administered in regular intervals and in specific cycles. Each cycle may include one or more drugs prescribed over a few days or weeks. These treatment intervals allow healthy cells in the body to rebuild and protect against drug-related side effects. In some cases, a specific daily dosage of the drug may be prescribed, followed by a rest period.

A well-planned schedule for taking the drugs and determining the frequency of administration ensures that the drugs have the maximum therapeutic effect with minimal side effects. Doctors in Gorgan, based on the patient’s condition and type of cancer, design a comprehensive and suitable treatment plan, ensuring there are no concerns about drug interactions or potential problems.

How to Receive Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in various ways, including orally, via injection, or topically. Depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s condition, the drugs may be injected into a vein or other parts of the body or taken in the form of capsules, tablets, or syrups. In cases where the patient’s condition permits, the drugs may be taken at home, but this does not mean the absence of medical supervision. The patient must visit the hospital regularly to monitor their health condition.

Types of Injection Methods in Chemotherapy in Gorgan

In chemotherapy, injection is one of the main methods for administering medication, and there are several different types. Here are the various injection methods used in chemotherapy in Gorgan:

• Intramuscular Injection: In this method, the drug is injected into the muscles of the thigh or buttocks. These areas, due to their greater muscle mass, hold the drug in the body for a longer period. Intramuscular injection tends to have a longer-lasting effect compared to intravenous injection.

• Subcutaneous Injection (Under the Skin): In this method, the drugs are injected beneath the skin in areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or arm. This method typically causes less pain than other injection types, and in some cases, after proper training, the patient may administer the injection at home.

• Intravenous Injection: In this method, the drug is injected directly into the veins and enters the body from there. This method is particularly effective for delivering the drug to cancerous tumors since the drug directly reaches the affected areas.

• Intrathecal Injection: This method is particularly used for the treatment of certain types of leukemia, lymphomas, and some brain tumors. The drug is injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord to produce more targeted therapeutic effects in specific areas.

• Intraperitoneal Injection: In this method, chemotherapy is delivered through a tube (catheter) into the peritoneal cavity, located between the parietal and visceral peritoneum. This method is especially effective for treating abdominal cancers.

• Intra-arterial Injection: In this method, chemotherapy is injected directly into the arteries supplying the tumor. The advantage of this approach is that the drug reaches the tumor directly, with less impact on other parts of the body and fewer side effects.

Duration of Chemotherapy and Number of Sessions

The duration of chemotherapy and the number of treatment sessions depend on the type and stage of cancer and the body’s response to the drugs. Typically, treatment is conducted in alternating cycles. A cycle may consist of a treatment session followed by rest periods for recovery.

Duration of Each Chemotherapy Session

Each chemotherapy session may last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of drug and the patient’s condition. The treatment is usually done on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization.

How Chemotherapy Works

Chemotherapy drugs fight cancer cells in several ways:

• Disrupting Cell Division: Some drugs work by affecting cell division, preventing the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.

• Targeting the Nutrients of Cancer Cells: Certain drugs prevent hormones and enzymes from reaching cancer cells, limiting their resources.

• Inducing Cancer Cells to Self-Destruct (Apoptosis): This process causes cancer cells to die in a controlled manner, programmed to eliminate them.

• Preventing the Growth of Blood Vessels: Some drugs stop the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients, thus preventing tumor growth.

Do Hair Loss Occur After Chemotherapy?

Hair loss is one of the common side effects of chemotherapy, and it is a concern for many patients. Chemotherapy uses chemical drugs to treat cancer, which affect cancer cells. However, these drugs can also impact healthy cells, especially those that divide rapidly, such as hair cells. For this reason, hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, which may include hair from the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

Cause of Hair Loss in Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and damage cancer cells to stop their growth and multiplication. However, because these drugs also affect other rapidly dividing cells, like hair cells, they can lead to hair loss. Drugs such as doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and cyclophosphamide are known to cause hair loss. Patients who do not use these drugs have a lower chance of experiencing hair loss.

Duration and Process of Hair Loss

Hair loss during chemotherapy may be gradual, and in some individuals, it may begin after several treatment sessions. The severity of hair loss depends on the type of drugs used, their dosage, and the duration of treatment. Typically, this hair loss is temporary, and after the chemotherapy treatment ends, hair growth will resume.

Can Hair Loss Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, hair loss caused by chemotherapy cannot be fully prevented because chemotherapy drugs directly affect hair cells. Some hospitals and clinics use methods like cooling caps to reduce hair loss. The goal is to reduce blood flow to the scalp and limit the impact of chemotherapy drugs on hair follicles. However, these methods do not guarantee definitive results.

Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

The good news is that after chemotherapy ends, most individuals will experience hair regrowth. This process may take several months, and the new hair may initially be thinner or have a different color. In most cases, the hair will eventually return to its natural state over time.

Chemotherapy Cost in Gorgan

The cost of chemotherapy in Gorgan depends on various factors such as the type and dosage of medications, the number and duration of treatment sessions, the location of the treatment (public or private hospital), and the country of residence. In many cases, health insurance covers chemotherapy costs, but if additional financial assistance is needed, some organizations may also provide support to patients.

Best Cancer Treatment Center in Gorgan

Shafa Clinic is one of the most reputable and best chemotherapy centers in Gorgan, offering cancer treatment services with a specialized medical team and advanced equipment. By utilizing the latest treatment methods and protocols, the clinic has become one of the primary choices for patients seeking cancer treatment.

Shafa Clinic, under the supervision of Dr. Nasim Faizi and Dr. Farzaneh Baqeri, provides psychological counseling and necessary support to help patients receive physical and emotional care during the treatment process. Additionally, the clinic offers thorough post-treatment care and follow-up services. If you’re looking for the best cancer treatment center in Gorgan, Shafa Clinic with its quality services and specialized medical team is an ideal option for your treatment and recovery.