Lung cancer results from abnormalities in the lung cells. With lung cancer, there is uncontrolled cell expansion and growth. This cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer on the planet, and one of the most common causes of death in the United States, for both genders. Chemotherapy is a popular treatment option for dealing with lung cancer.
Types
There are three main types of chemotherapy treatments used for dealing with lung cancer. These types are adjuvant chemotherapy (done post-surgery or post-radiation to destroy any possible lingering cancerous cells), primary systemic or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (conducted pre-surgery to kill cancerous cells) and systemic chemotherapy (for metastatic or locally advanced lung cancer).
Function
Generally, with lung cancer chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs are administered via intravenous injection directly into the veins, or with the use of a catheter, which is a tube that is inserted into a vein and kept there as long as necessary. In certain instances, anticancer drugs are administered in pill form instead.
Side Effects
As with any treatment procedures, there are certain possible side effects associated with getting lung cancer chemotherapy. These risks include infection, hair loss (a very common chemotherapy side effect), loss of appetite, feelings of nausea, vomiting and mouth sores.
Chemotherapy Drugs
There are a lot of commonly administered drugs utilized for lung cancer chemotherapy treatments. Oftentimes, a combination of drugs is used as well. Some popular chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer include Taxotere, Adriamycin, Paraplatin, Platinol, Gemzar and many others.
Significance
It depends on the individual lung cancer case, but chemotherapy is often used as an additional treatment post-surgery to remove any lingering cancerous cells in the lungs. It is also used to extend the lives of people with very advanced lung cancers. It can also help to reduce the negative effects and symptoms of lung cancer, such as aching and shortness of breath.
Tags: lung cancer, cancer chemotherapy, cancerous cells, lung cancer, lung cancer