Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Adjuvant chemotherapy is a treatment approach using drugs to kill cancer cells left in the body after primary treatments, such as surgery or radiation. This method is typically employed to lower the risk of cancer recurrence and improve the patient’s overall survival rate.
Chemotherapy, a cornerstone of cancer treatment, utilizes potent drugs aimed at eradicating cancer cells. It comes in various applications, one of which is adjuvant chemotherapy. This subset of chemotherapy aims to remove any remaining cancer cells post-surgery, reducing the risk of a resurgence.
Adjuvant chemotherapy, a common treatment approach in oncology, is provided after primary treatment like surgery to eliminate any microscopic disease that might remain. It acts as complementary therapy, augmenting the primary treatment to ensure total eradication of the disease.
The Rationale behind adjuvant chemotherapy lies in its capacity to control micro-metastatic diseases. It reduces the chance of residual cancer cells replicating, bringing the likelihood of a cure closer. Its application is commonly seen in breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancers.
A suite of assessments precedes adjuvant chemotherapy, which includes evaluation of the patient’s general health, the type of cancer, and its stage. The acquired information helps in tailoring the best therapeutic approach for each individual.
Adjuvant chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or through a mix of both, depending on the specific drugs in the regimen. The frequency of the cycles, usually between 2 to 3 weeks, is dictated by the type of drugs used.
Throughout the treatment, patients are closely monitored for responses and side effects. Regular blood tests and imaging are performed to verify the effectiveness of the therapy. Post-treatment, patients typically have regular follow-up appointments for continuous monitoring.
A range of drugs is available for adjuvant chemotherapy, including but not limited to, Paclitaxel, Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin. The choice of drugs depends on the cancer type and stage, patient’s medical history and the likely side effects.
The choice of a suitable drug or combination of drugs is influenced by several factors: the type and stage of cancer, patient’s overall health, potential side effects, and the primary treatment received.
Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly enhances survival rates by eliminating microscopic diseases and preventing cancer recurrence. It has been instrumental in improving 5-year survival rates across various types of cancer.
By ridding the body of any remaining cancer cells post-surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly lowers the likelihood of cancer recurrence, offering patients the chance at a cancer-free life.
While adjuvant chemotherapy offers significant benefits, it carries potential physical side effects including nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and prolonged bruising. These are generally temporary and retract once the treatment is over.
The emotional and psychological implications, such as anxiety and depression, shouldn’t be overlooked. Coping strategies and psychological support could mitigate these effects substantially.
Each cancer patient’s journey with adjuvant chemotherapy is individual and unique. Compiling and studying these experiences will help health professionals develop better tailored treatment plans and patient care strategies.
There are numerous success stories of patients living cancer-free after adjuvant chemotherapy, attesting to its effectiveness. However, the journey has its share of challenges, including dealing with side effects and emotional impacts, which require comprehensive patient care and support.
Research is continually evolving, lending way to more simplified regimens, targeted therapies, and drug combinations, thereby enhancing effectiveness and mitigating side effects.
Emerging trends like immunotherapy and personalised medicine are providing new avenues for adjuvant therapy and hold great promise in furthering cancer treatment.
Although Adjuvant chemotherapy may bring along a host of challenges, the benefits it provides in terms of increasing survival rates and reducing recurrence risks are irrefutable. As research progresses, we could look forward to more effective and personalised regimens, elevating the scope and success rates of cancer treatment.
The main purpose of adjuvant chemotherapy is to eliminate any remaining cancer cells post-surgery, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer recurrence and increasing the chance of a cure.
Adjuvant chemotherapy is generally administered after surgery once the patient has recuperated well enough to withstand the treatment.
Common side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, a decreased immunological response, and temporary changes to body functions.
Radiotherapy and targeted therapies could serve as alternatives or complements to adjuvant chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
Adjuvant chemotherapy has significantly proven effective at reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. The specific rate varies across different types of cancer and stages.
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