Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Cytotoxic means toxic to cells and they prevent cancer cells growing and spading inside body. Most of the chemotherapy agents work through bloods so they can reach any part of the body. Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Treatment may be given every week, or every two or three weeks. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment and the next. After each cycle of treatment there will be a break for body to recover and prepare for next cycles. Normally before each cycle you need to have a blood test and will be reviewed by a specialist to ensure it is safe to proceed with treatment.

As chemotherapy drugs can affect some of the healthy cells in the body, this can cause some side effects . Most side effects will disappear after treatment finishes.

Immunotherapy

The immune system protects the body against illness and infection. Immunotherapies are treatments that use the immune system to find and attack cancer cells.

There are different types of immunotherapy. Each one uses the immune system in a different way.

Immunotherapies are commonly used to treat kidney and bladder cancer and other cancers. They are normally given as a drip into a vein . They can be given 2 to 3weekly but sometimes can be given every 4 to 6 weekly. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment and the next. After each cycle of treatment there will be a break for body to recover and prepare for next cycles. Normally before each cycle you need to have a blood test and will be reviewed by a specialist to ensure it is safe to proceed with treatment.