To know more about Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Most women gave chemotherapy for ovarian cancer after surgery. Some women have chemotherapy before surgery.

Usually, more than one drug can given. Drugs for ovarian cancer can be given in different ways:

• By vein (IV) : the drugs can be given through a thin tube inserted into a vein.
• By vein and directly into the abdomen : some women get IV chemotherapy (IP) chemotherapy, the drugs are given through a thin tube inserted into the abdomen.
• By mouth : some drugs for ovarian cancer can be given by mouth.

Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Each treatment period is followed by a rest period. The length of the rest period and the number of cycles depend on the anticancer drugs used.

You may have your treatment in a clinic, at the doctor’s or at home. Some women may need to stay in the hospital during treatment.

This side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on which drugs aregiven and how much. The drugs can harm normal cells that divide rapidly :

• Blood cells : these cells fight infection, help blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When drugs affect your blood cells, you are more likely to get infections, bruise or bleed easily, and feel very weak and tired. Your health care team checks you for low levels, your health care team can suggest medicines that can help your body make new blood cells.
• Cells in hair roots : some drugs can cause hair loss. Your hair will grow back, but it may be somewhat different in color and texture.
• Cells that line the digestive tract : some drugs can cause poor appetite nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or mouth and lip sores. Ask your health care team about medicines that help with these problems.

Some drugs used to treat ovarian cancer can cause hearing loss, kidney damage, joint pain, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Most of these side effects usually go away after treatment ends.

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