Introduction
Chemotherapy is one of the most established and widely used treatments in modern oncology. It plays a central role across solid cancers and haematological malignancies, either alone or in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. While its core principle—destroying rapidly dividing cancer cells—has remained unchanged, the manner in which chemotherapy is selected, delivered, monitored, and supported has evolved dramatically.
At our clinic, chemotherapy is delivered using a precision-based, evidence-driven, and patient-centred model. This includes multidisciplinary decision-making, guideline-based regimen selection, structured toxicity monitoring, and comprehensive supportive care—all aligned with our core values of Cure, Precision, and Compassion.
1. What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy refers to a group of cytotoxic drugs designed to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Because cancer cells divide rapidly and uncontrollably, chemotherapy targets this core property. Unlike targeted therapy or immunotherapy, chemotherapy acts broadly and does not depend on the presence of specific genetic mutations.
How Chemotherapy Works
Different classes of chemotherapy drugs damage cancer cells through different mechanisms:
The choice of drug, dose, and combination depends on tumour biology, stage, patient fitness, and treatment goals.
2. Why Chemotherapy Is Used
Chemotherapy has multiple roles in cancer care:
How Chemotherapy Works
Certain cancers such as lymphomas, testicular cancer, childhood leukemias, and some solid tumours can be cured with chemotherapy alone or in combination with other modalities.
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Administered before surgery, chemotherapy can shrink tumours, making surgery easier and more effective. It also allows early treatment of microscopic disease.
Examples: breast cancer, oesophageal cancer, bladder cancer, sarcomas.
Adjuvant Therapy
Given after surgery, chemotherapy eliminates microscopic residual cancer cells and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Concurrent Chemoradiation
Some chemotherapy drugs act as radiosensitisers and enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
Examples: head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer.
Palliative or Disease-Control Therapy
In advanced cancers, chemotherapy helps slow progression, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
3. How Chemotherapy Is Given
Chemotherapy can be delivered in several ways:
Treatment is structured into cycles, which repeat every 1, 2, or 3 weeks, depending on the regimen. The number of cycles depends on cancer type and response.
Our Chemotherapy Day-Care Facility
To ensure safety and comfort, we offer:
4. Personalising Chemotherapy
Modern chemotherapy is no longer “one size fits all.” Personalisation includes:
1. Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Decisions
Surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive-care experts collaborate to determine the best regimen.
2. Individualised Dose Modifications
Doses may be adjusted based on:
3. Integrating Genomic and Molecular Reports
While chemotherapy itself is not mutation-dependent, genetic profiling guides whether chemotherapy is needed, and in what sequence, especially in breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.
4. Supportive Care Tailored to the Patient
Prophylactic medicines such as antiemetics, growth factors, hydration protocols, and cardioprotective strategies are adjusted according to risk.
5. Potential Side Effects
Chemotherapy affects normal rapidly dividing cells, which is why side effects occur. Understanding them helps patients anticipate, report, and manage symptoms effectively.
Common Side Effects
Serious but Less Common Side Effects
Our Supportive-Care Approach
We use internationally recommended strategies to minimise toxicity:
6. Safety, Monitoring, and Quality Control
Chemotherapy requires precise planning and strict adherence to safety standards.
Before Each Cycle
During Treatment
After Treatment
We adhere to NCCN, ESMO, ASCO, and national guidelines to deliver safe and effective chemotherapy.
7. Living During Chemotherapy
Diet and Hydration
Patients are encouraged to eat small, frequent meals rich in protein and calories. Hydration is crucial.
Activity and Exercise
Moderate physical activity helps maintain strength, reduce fatigue, and support recovery.
Infection Prevention
Mental Health Support
Many patients experience anxiety or uncertainty. Our team provides:
Sexual Health and Fertility
Conversations about fertility preservation and hormonal changes are part of our holistic approach.
8. Chemotherapy Outcomes
Outcome depends on:
For some cancers, chemotherapy is curative. For others, it enhances survival, reduces recurrence risk, or improves quality of life. When delivered using modern protocols and multidisciplinary care, chemotherapy is safer and more effective than ever.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment. At our clinic, it is delivered using the highest standards of medical evidence, safety, and personalised care. Every plan is designed with the patient’s prognosis, comfort, goals, and overall well-being at the centre.
We bring together scientific precision, clinical experience, and compassionate care—ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate chemotherapy regimen with the greatest possible safety and support.
