How do chemotherapy cycles work

You can have cancer drugs as an injection or drip through a vein, through a central line, PICC line or Portacath.

Sometimes you might have it as an injection into a muscle or under the skin. You can have cancer drugs in different ways. For how long you have it will depend on the drug you have and your type of cancer. Always take your medicines safely. Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.

About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since The duration of each session depends on its form. Oral and topical chemotherapy are less time-consuming.

In oral chemo , you take the drug by mouth. The drug might be in the form of a:. Chemotherapy infusions can last several hours or days. Your healthcare provider can let you know how long each session will likely take. Keep in mind that every treatment center is different. To prepare, ask your healthcare professional what amenities and services will be available. As chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it also harms healthy cells.

This includes cells in your digestive system and hair, along with cells that produce blood. In turn, chemo can cause various side effects. Some side effects go away quickly, while other side effects can last longer than the actual treatment. These effects can last months or years. This means that chemotherapy can technically take much longer beyond the treatment itself. They also lead your chemotherapy treatments.

Advanced providers, like oncology nurse practitioners NPs and oncology physician assistants PAs. These providers meet with patients and collaborate with a supervising medical oncologist.

Their responsibilities can include:. Oncology nurse. An oncology nurse specializes in cancer care. This includes giving chemotherapy. Oncology nurses can also:. Other health care professionals. Other team members may help care for your physical, emotional, and social needs during chemotherapy. These professionals include:. Each chemotherapy treatment plan is created to meet a patient's unique needs. But before treatment starts, you can expect to take these general steps. Meet with your oncologist.

The doctor will look over your medical records and do a physical exam. You will also have tests done to help plan treatment. Your exact treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer. Your doctor will also consider your age, your general health, and other factors, such as previous cancer treatments. Learn about your chemotherapy treatment schedule. Your health care team will explain when and how often you need chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles.

The length of a cycle depends on the drug s you receive. Most cycles range from 2 to 6 weeks. The number of treatment doses scheduled within each cycle also depends on the prescribed chemotherapy. For example, each cycle may contain only 1 dose on the first day. Or, a cycle may contain more than 1 dose given each week or each day.

Often, your doctor will check if the treatment is working after you finish 2 cycles. Most people have several cycles of chemotherapy. Sometimes, chemotherapy treatment is ongoing as a maintenance therapy. Give permission for chemotherapy. Your doctor will talk with you about the possible risks and benefits of chemotherapy. This discussion will include potential short-term side effects and late effects of the chemotherapy.

This is a great time for you to ask questions and share any concerns. Once you decide to move forward, your health care team will ask you to sign an informed consent form.

You understand that there are possible risks, like side effects, that may happen due to the treatment. Learn how food and medicine can affect chemotherapy. A cycle of chemotherapy is the amount of time that elapses between the start of one round of chemotherapy to the start of the next. Cancer Research UK states that it is very important for a person to receive their chemotherapy treatment in cycles.

While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they also kill fast-growing healthy cells within the body. A single course of chemotherapy will typically involve four to eight chemotherapy cycles. For instance, a 4-week cycle could involve someone taking medications on the first, second and third days, then no further medication until the 29th day. Chemotherapy treatment typically lasts between 3—6 months. However, some people will receive chemotherapy for shorter or longer periods of time.

Since chemotherapy drugs can harm healthy cells, a person needs to excrete as much chemotherapy medication as possible before receiving another treatment cycle. Different chemotherapy drugs remain in the body for different amounts of time. Some examples are as follows:. Chemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. There are many types of chemotherapy medication. Medical professionals classify these medications according to their chemical structure and how they work.

The different classes of chemotherapy medication include:. A person may receive a chemotherapy drug on its own or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Medical professionals can administer chemotherapy medications in the following ways:. A doctor will be able to indicate what the person can expect before undergoing their first chemotherapy session.

These expectations will depend on different factors, such as the types of chemotherapy drugs the doctor prescribes and their method of administration.