What is chemotherapy?

• Chemotherapy may be used alone or together with other forms of treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy is used to sometimes cure cancer.
• Chemotherapy helps to slow down cancer growth.
• Chemotherapy can also reduce symptoms of cancer.

Cancer cells divide and multiply in a very uncontrolled way. Chemotherapy affects the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide. Chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses your body’s immune system to help fight cancer, just like it fights infections like the flu. Immunotherapy targets cancer cells and not normal healthy cells of your body. Talk to your nurse about some of the symptoms and side-effects of immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy treatment plans usually include many cycles. Each cycle includes the treatment day and the recovery days after treatment. Some cycles include multiple treatment days and rest days. Ask your doctor or nurse what your chemotherapy cycle is Your plan will depend on:

• The type of cancer you have
• Side effects
• How the cancer responds to the drugs

The treatment time will vary depending on the type of drugs you receive. The time can range from 10 minutes to 6 hours.

The way you receive your chemotherapy will depend on the kind that is prescribed for you. You may receive chemotherapy at the Odette Cancer Centre as an outpatient or you may be admitted to the hospital.

Chemotherapy is given:

• By mouth as a tablet or capsule (pill)
• By intravenous (IV, into the vein)
• By needle injection under the skin or into the muscle

The chemotherapy nurse will check to see if your veins are at risk for problems before starting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can cause your veins to be irritated for safety and to protect your veins a Vascular Access Device might be used. This device will help safely deliver your treatment. Your nurse and medical oncologist will recommend a device that is most suited to your needs. The Vascular Access Device will be based on the type and length of treatment and how your drugs are given. If you have questions or concerns call your nursing phoneline to book an assessment with the chemotherapy pump team.

There are three different types of Vascular Access Devices:

• P.I.C.C. (peripherally inserted central catheter): This is placed into one of the veins in the area of your inner arm above or below your elbow. The end of the catheter hangs outside the skin.
• Port-a-Cath (catheter and port): This device is placed into your upper chest, under the skin.
• Hickman Catheter: This is placed into a large vein in your upper chest. The end of the catheter hangs outside the skin.