Chemotherapy

Although it depends on each individual case, chemotherapy is generally administered intravenously on an outpatient basis at the Teknon Oncology Institute Day Hospital. This treatment consists of different cycles which, depending on each case, may be weekly, fortnightly, etc.

When long or repeated cycles of chemotherapy are required, venous access devices such as a PICC catheter, peripheral central venous access, or a port-a-cath may be placed in the patient. These are subcutaneous devices that provide permanent access to the vascular system and are connected to a venous reservoir through which chemotherapy is administered.

The PICC catheter is inserted by nursing staff in the Oncology Day Hospital, while the port-a-cath is inserted by a surgeon in the operating theatre under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, the specialist will verify that the device is correctly positioned.

The patient will wear the port-a-cath throughout the entire treatment. In most cases, once treatment is complete, the patient wears the device for a reasonable period of time. The system causes no discomfort whatsoever. The nursing staff will carry out the necessary checks to determine that the port-a-cath is working correctly.

The PICC catheter is removed at the end of the last treatment session.

In parallel with the chemotherapy cycles, the oncologist will perform a series of tests on the patient, mainly blood tests, to check that the treatment is not affecting your body adversely, including damaging anything in your body, e.g., kidneys, or altering blood platelet levels. Depending on the results, the specialist may adapt chemotherapy cycles until the patient’s blood tests have returned to normal levels.

Chemotherapy can be administered as the sole treatment for metastatic disease or as neoadjuvant therapy, which means it is administered prior to local curative treatment, or as adjuvant or complementary therapy after the first local curative procedure.

The drugs administered in chemotherapy can affect not only malignant cells, but also healthy cells. That is why chemotherapy can have side effects, such as:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or constipation. These symptoms occur when the effects of chemotherapy affect the digestive system. To prevent these symptoms, especially dehydration, your specialist will prescribe medication that can help you.
• Ulcers and sores. The mucous membranes are particularly sensitive to chemotherapy, which can result in mouth sores or ulcers. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral and dental hygiene.
• Hair loss. Hair loss can affect the scalp as well as other parts of the body, such as the armpits, legs, eyebrows, etc. This is because some drugs used in chemotherapy treatment affect the hair follicle, which causes hair growth.
• Changes in taste. Chemotherapy can affect the taste buds on the tongue and palate. As a result, some patients often perceive less flavour in food or notice a different, more metallic and/or bitter taste. This effect disappears after chemotherapy treatment is completed.
• Skin changes. Itching, dryness, or flaking may occur. It is important to keep your skin hydrated. You can consult with a specialist about the most recommended creams.

It is important for the patient to consult with her oncologist about possible side effects. Likewise, women of childbearing age should consult a specialist about fertility preservation.