Chemotherapy aims to combat cells in the human body that are growing abnormally, either by destroying them or controlling their growth. There are many treatments available, and the one used in each case depends on:

• The disease to be treated
• The degree of development of the disease
• Patient characteristics (weight, height, etc.)

In general, treatments consist of a combination of different medicines.

At Centro Médico Teknon, these treatments are usually carried out in the Day Hospital, a unit equipped for outpatient treatment, with nursing staff specialised in the administration of this type of medication.

Chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously through an infusion system. It is occasionally administered orally (in tablet form), intravesically (via a urinary catheter), intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intrathecally.

The treatment schedule is organised into cycles, which can be carried out over one or several days, repeating at specific intervals.

• Adjuvant chemotherapy: Therapy that is done AFTER potentially curative surgery. Intention: curative.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Therapy that is done BEFORE potentially curative surgery. Intention: curative.
• Concomitant chemotherapy: Therapy is administered in conjunction with radiotherapy with the aim of enhancing the effect of the latter. Intention: curative.
• Palliative chemotherapy: It is a type of chemotherapy that is administered specifically to control symptoms without expecting it to significantly reduce the cancer.
• Subsequent lines: successive therapies AFTER completing the first line. Intention: usually palliative.

Depending on the type of medication administered in each treatment, side effects may vary or, in the best case scenario, may not occur at all. If they occur, they may manifest in the following ways:

• Greater than usual fatigue
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Mucositis (mouth ulcers)

Side effects, when they occur, are temporary and do not affect everyone in the same way. Many patients can maintain their work, sports, social life, etc. habits.

The scheduling staff will tell you which days your doctor is available and will try to accommodate your needs when scheduling your appointment.

To make an appointment at the Oncology Institute, simply call 93 290 64 71, or come directly to our reception desk in person. If you would like to make an appointment for other Teknon specialities, please call 932 906 200. Our opening hours at the Oncology Institute are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Chemotherapy aims to combat cells in the human body that are growing abnormally, either by destroying them or controlling their growth. There are many treatments available, and the one used in each case depends on:

• The disease to be treated
• The degree of development of the disease
• Patient characteristics (weight, height, etc.)

In general, treatments consist of a combination of different medicines.

The Continuous Care Unit (CCU), staffed by our nursing team, will assess your current situation, provide the necessary recommendations, and contact your doctor if necessary. We are available at the Teknon Oncology Institute, in person, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you wish to contact us by telephone, please call the following number: 93 290 60 20 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).

If you experience any medical complications on a public holiday or outside the Teknon Cancer Institute's opening hours, you should call our Emergency Unit (93 290 60 20), where you will be attended to by the doctor on duty, who will assess your case and give you the appropriate instructions. If the specialist considers that you should come to the Centre, please go to the Emergency Department at Centro Médico Teknon, which provides medical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Please remember to identify yourself as a patient of the Teknon Oncology Institute.

The street entrance of our Emergency Department is located on Calle Marquesa de Vilallonga.