Chemotherapy its types side effects and overall effect on the body

Chemotherapy has become one of the most effective methods in fighting cancer, as it directly targets cancer cells and prevents them from dividing and growing. However, the success of this treatment does not come without challenges, since it may be accompanied by side effects that affect the body to varying degrees.In this Dalili Medical article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to chemotherapy — its different types, its possible side effects, and how it affects the body — to help you understand the treatment well and prepare for it in the right way.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that relies on powerful drugs designed to target cancer cells in order to shrink the tumor or destroy it. These drugs specifically attack rapidly dividing cells, which is a natural characteristic of most cancer cells.
Chemotherapy can be used alone, or combined with surgery or radiation therapy to achieve the best results.

When do signs of successful chemotherapy appear?

The timing varies from one patient to another depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and the type of chemotherapy drugs used.

Some patients may notice early improvement within a few weeks.
In other cases, signs of success may take several months to become clear.

Does the absence of side effects mean the treatment is not working?

No, not necessarily.

The appearance of side effects does not indicate how effective the treatment is.
Some patients may not experience any side effects at all, yet the chemotherapy is still working very well.

What matters most are the response indicators monitored by the doctor through tests and medical evaluations.

Can cancer come back after an initial successful response to chemotherapy?

Unfortunately, there is always a possibility that cancer may return even after a complete response.
Therefore, regular follow-up and routine tests are extremely important for early detection of any recurrence and to maintain control over the disease.

Types of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy varies depending on the treatment goal and the patient’s condition. The main types include:

1. Conventional (Standard) Chemotherapy

Uses drugs that attack cancer cells in a general, non-specific way
Given intravenously or orally

2. Targeted Chemotherapy

Focuses more specifically on cancer cells
Reduces damage to normal healthy cells

3. Immune-Based Chemotherapy (Immune Chemotherapy)

Aims to activate the immune system to attack cancer cells

Duration of a Chemotherapy Session

A typical chemotherapy session usually lasts from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the treatment type and patient condition.
Chemotherapy often requires multiple repeated sessions over weeks or months to achieve effective results.

Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss? And What Can Be Done?

Yes, temporary hair loss can occur 2–3 weeks after starting treatment, depending on the drug and dose.

The good news: Hair usually grows back after treatment ends, and changes in color or texture gradually disappear.

Tips for dealing with hair loss:

Using a wig, scarf, or hat
Avoiding stress — remember, it is temporary and reversible

Is taking other medications during chemotherapy dangerous?

Yes — some medications may interact with chemotherapy drugs and cause serious side effects.

It is essential to inform your doctor or nurse about all medications you are taking at home — including name, dose, and schedule.

Medications that may interact include:

Aspirin and common pain relievers
Over-the-counter cold medications
Vitamins and dietary supplements
Herbal products, even if they are not considered “medicine”

Golden rule: Do not take any medication during chemotherapy without talking to your doctor first.

What is the difference between chemotherapy and radiation therapy?

Type of Treatment	How it Works	Where it Works
Chemotherapy	Chemical drugs that attack cancer cells	Affects the whole body — given through IV or orally
Radiation Therapy	High-energy rays that destroy cancer cells	Targets a specific area of the body

When are chemotherapy and radiation therapy used together?

Before surgery: to shrink the tumor and make removal easier
After surgery: to kill remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence
As a main treatment: in cancers that cannot be removed surgically

Side effects of combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy

Increased fatigue and exhaustion
Higher risk of damage to normal tissue surrounding the tumor
Skin irritation and redness in the radiated area
Stronger side effects such as weakened immunity and digestive problems

Duration of Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy duration varies depending on tumor type, doctor’s plan, and patient condition:

Some plans last only a few weeks, while others may continue for months or even years
Sessions are given at spaced intervals such as once weekly or once every 3 weeks
Some patients need rest periods between cycles to allow their bodies to recover

The ideal duration is determined by the doctor based on tumor response and other health factors.

Benefits of Chemotherapy

1. Killing Cancer Cells
Its main goal is to destroy cancer cells by targeting rapidly dividing cells.

2. Preventing Cancer Spread (Metastasis)
Chemotherapy reduces the ability of cancer cells to move to other organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

3. Shrinking Tumors Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant)
Helps make surgery easier and safer.

4. Destroying Remaining Cells After Surgery (Adjuvant)
Reduces the risk of cancer returning.

5. Reducing Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life (Palliative Chemotherapy)
Shrinks tumors pressing on organs, reduces pain, and improves daily function.

6. Enhancing the Effect of Other Therapies
Often combined with surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy.

7. Rapid Control in Certain Cancers
Some cancers like leukemia or lymphoma respond quickly and effectively to chemotherapy.

Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

1. Blood and Immune System Effects

Low white blood cells → higher infection risk (fever, sore throat)
Low red blood cells (anemia) → severe fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath
Low platelets → increased risk of bleeding and easy bruising

2. Digestive System Effects

Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite → possible weight loss
Diarrhea or constipation
Mouth and throat sores → difficulty eating and drinking

3. Hair and Skin Effects

Hair loss (usually temporary)
Dry or itchy skin
Skin or nail discoloration in some cases

4. Side Effects on Vital Organs

Heart: Some drugs like Doxorubicin may cause heart weakness or damage.
Liver and Kidneys: Certain drugs may increase liver enzymes or affect kidney function.
Lungs: Some medications may cause lung inflammation or fibrosis.

5. Effects on the Nervous System

Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (Peripheral Neuropathy): due to the impact of some drugs on nerves.
Mental fatigue / poor concentration (Chemo Brain): difficulty focusing or remembering information.

6. Effects on Fertility

Some chemotherapy drugs may affect fertility temporarily or permanently.
It is important to consult the doctor before treatment if the patient plans to have children in the future.

7. Psychological Symptoms

Depression and anxiety due to facing cancer and treatment.
Mood swings or loss of motivation due to physical changes such as hair loss or loss of energy.

8. Long-Term Side Effects

Permanent damage to certain organs if high doses are used for a long period.
Increased risk of secondary cancers.
Bone or dental problems with some medications.

Difference Between “Red” and “White” Chemotherapy — Types and Uses

Type	Common Color	Examples of Drugs	Mode of Action	Common Uses	Important Notes
Red Chemotherapy	Red / Pink	Doxorubicin, Epirubicin	Damages DNA and prevents cell division	Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoma	May affect the heart at high doses — needs heart monitoring
White Chemotherapy	Clear / White	Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin	Damages DNA and prevents cell division	Lung, colon, ovarian, and bladder cancer	May cause kidney issues — patient must drink plenty of water and monitor kidney function

Stages of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy requires a precise plan and continuous follow-up to achieve the best outcomes and minimize complications.
Here are the main stages:

1. Diagnosis and Initial Evaluation

Before starting treatment:

Medical tests: blood tests, scans (CT, MRI) to determine tumor size and spread.
Biopsy: to identify cancer type and malignancy grade.
General health assessment: checking heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Goal: determine if chemotherapy is appropriate and choose the correct type and dose.

2. Treatment Planning

The doctor determines:

The chemotherapy drugs to be used
Method of administration (IV, oral, topical)
Number of sessions and intervals
Whether chemo will be combined with surgery or radiation

3. Preparation Before Each Session

Includes:

Blood tests to check blood cell counts
Measuring weight, blood pressure, and heart rate
Giving anti-nausea or protective medications if needed

4. Chemotherapy Administration

IV (intravenous): through vein or catheter
Oral: tablets at home according to schedule
Topical: cream for some skin cancers

Duration: may vary from minutes to several hours.

5. Monitoring During the Session

Vital signs are checked:

Blood pressure
Heart rate
Temperature

Monitoring for immediate reactions such as:

Allergic reaction
Severe nausea
Pain at injection site

6. After the Session

Rest and adequate hydration
Taking anti-nausea or pain medications if needed
Avoiding infections due to low immunity

7. Rest Periods Between Sessions (Cycles)

Chemotherapy is often given in cycles (example: every 2 or 3 weeks) to allow the body to recover — especially blood cells.

After each cycle, tests are done to evaluate tumor response.

8. Response Assessment

After several sessions:

Imaging scans or blood tests are repeated
Evaluating tumor shrinkage or disappearance

Based on results, the drug type or dose may be adjusted.

9. End of Treatment and Follow-Up

After finishing all cycles:

Regular follow-up for months or years
Monitoring long-term side effects (heart, liver, fertility, etc.)
Routine tests to ensure cancer has not returned

Types of Chemotherapy Doses

Chemotherapy dose varies according to the patient’s condition and cancer type. The main types include:

Full Dose
Standard dose according to protocol → maximum anti-cancer effect.
Reduced Dose
Used when patient condition is weak, or side effects are severe.
Cycle Dose
Given in cycles with breaks (e.g. 1 session then 2-week rest).
Low-Dose / Metronomic Chemotherapy
Small daily doses continuously → used sometimes in palliative cases.
Palliative Dose
Given to reduce tumor size and symptoms — not always for cure.
Combination Dose
Using multiple chemotherapy drugs together for more effectiveness (e.g. Doxorubicin + Cyclophosphamide for breast cancer).