Introduction 

It is a natural feeling to feel overwhelmed when we hear the word “chemotherapy” for the very first time. It is because the term is often associated with cancer treatment. Even though it might sound intimidating, it is necessary for all of us to understand how it works and what to expect after the treatment. 

We will break down the basics of chemotherapy in the following blog, starting from its different types to how it works, and lastly, what you can expect during the treatment. Moreover, we will also discuss why you must choose PSRI Hospital, the Best hospital for Cancer Treatment in India for your treatment. Let’s go. 

What is Chemotherapy?

Let us begin our journey by understanding the basics. Chemotherapy or we all know as “chemo” is a form of cancer treatment where the doctor uses powerful drugs for targeting and destroying cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy is not at all like surgery or radiation, which solely focuses on specific areas. The chemotherapy works throughout the entire body and is perfectly effective for cancers that have spread inside the body or are at the risk of spreading. 

Now it’s time to address the most important question- how does chemotherapy work? It works by attacking cells that exhibit the ability to quickly divide. It is a trait which cancer cells exhibit. However, it can also affect our healthy fast growing cells, like ones present in your hair, stomach, and skin, leading to side effects. 

But there is no need for you to worry as we will discuss how to manage these issues later. 

Types of Chemotherapy 

If you think that all chemotherapy is the same, you are wrong. The team of oncologists at PSRI Hospital may recommend one or combination of more than one treatment depending on your conditions. It includes: 

• Curative Chemotherapy 

It is used for the purpose of completely curing cancer. 

• Adjuvant Chemotherapy

It is given after radiation or surgery. It helps eliminate any remaining cancer cells. 

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy 

It is administered before surgery to shrink the tumors. 

• Palliative Chemotherapy 

It aims at relieving the symptoms and improving the quality of life. 

These different types of chemotherapy show that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The team of specialists at PSRI International will tailor the treatment plan specifically for you. It helps ensure you receive the best possible outcome without worrying about Chemotherapy cost in India. 

How Chemotherapy Works? 

It’s now time to discover the science behind chemotherapy. The point worth remembering is that cancer cells tend to multiply much faster when compared to normal cells. Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with this rapid division, either killing the cells or preventing them from growing and spreading. 

There are various types of chemo drugs, including:

• Alkylating Agents 

These agents attack the DNA of cancer cells. It prevents them from reproducing. 

• Antimetabolites

They mimic natural substances in the body to disrupt the functioning of cancerous cells. 

• Mitotic Inhibitors

They stop cell division which stops cancer in its tracks. 

• Targeted Therapy 

They are more precise. They focus more on removing cancer cells and don’t affect healthy ones. 

The team of oncologists at PSRI International might recommend intravenous (IV) administration, oral pills, or even localized treatments like injections. It all depends on your condition. 

What to Expect During Chemotherapy?

Your nerves will ease down when you have an idea of what will happen next. The quick rundown of the typical chemotherapy journey at PSRI International, the Best hospital for Cancer Treatment in India will relax you down. 

Before Treatment 

The doctor will run various tests to determine the best chemotherapy regimen for you. These may include blood tests, imaging scans, or even a biopsy. You’ll also be given instructions on what to eat, drink, and avoid before starting treatment.

During Treatment 

We will hold chemotherapy sessions in cycles. It will give time to your body to recover between the treatments. A treatment session can last between a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of drug used. 

Even though IV chemotherapy is the most common, there are some people who use topical creams or take pills. You’re more likely to sit in a comfortable chair while the doctor will administer the drug in your body during the session. 

You can pass your time by reading books or listening to music during the treatment. 

After Treatment 

Post-treatment care is of utmost importance as you may experience side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in appetite. Well, we do have some good news for you! Most of these side effects are temporary and manageable.

We at PSRI International offer comprehensive post-treatment care to all our patients. It includes nutritional guidance and counselling to ensure you feel supported at every step of your journey. 

Chemotherapy Cost in India 

The cost of the treatment is one of the biggest concerns for all the international patients suffering from cancer. Well, we have good news for you! You can get the treatment for cancer in India as it is one of the most affordable destinations for chemotherapy treatments, without compromising on quality.

The Chemotherapy cost in India varies based on the type of chemotherapy, the drugs used, and the number of sessions you have to undergo. We at PSRI International are proud to be one of the best hospitals for cancer treatment. 

We offer world-class facilities to all our patients as we have a team of skilled and dedicated oncologists at your disposal. Moreover, our team ensures complete transparency about costs, so there are no surprises.

Wrapping Up 

Most of us might find it daunting whenever we hear the word chemotherapy. But with the right care and support, you can confidently navigate this journey. It is necessary for you to understand the types of chemotherapy, process, and what you can expect during the treatment. 

Trusting the team of PSRI International guarantees that you will receive not only the best medical treatment but also the much required emotional and logistical support. So, are you ready to take the next step? 

Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support you through your chemotherapy journey.