Chemotherapy Treatment and Strategy Schemes: A Review

Abstract

Chemotherapy treatments are used to inhibit vigorously growing malignant cells with anticancer agents. This type of therapy may be used to cure and try a patient to produce palliative relief and symptomatic relaxation in the advance stages of cancer. In general, chemotherapy is given in cyclic manners. Patients are administered with anticancer drug during regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions. After the completion of certain cyclic session, treatment is stopped for several fixed periods to allow the patient to rest and their body to re-establish from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs. Generally, six or more chemotherapeutic cycles are needed in cancer patient and often a combined chemotherapy would be preferred. Anticancer drugs are used to destroy not only to specific cancer cell but equally affect the normal cell that developing under normal circumstances, such as those in the digestive tract, bone marrow and hair follicles. Combination chemotherapy is always preferred over traditional therapies, such as radiotherapy, surgery or other cytotoxic drugs. The mechanism of action of each therapy is different for inhibiting cell division and proliferation of rapidly growing cell. Each treatment has their specific side effects. A large numbers of treatment strategy are available to fight with cancer, depending upon the severity and stage of cancer, type of cancer, and the affected body parts. The review describes the alternative methods that combine chemotherapy with other treatment strategies have been explored in order to improve treatment selectivity, reduce recurrence and improve the quality of life of patients.