Chemotherapy

Cisplatin chemotherapy: What should you know about it?

Chemotherapy uses various types of drugs to treat a patient who is victimized by cancer. A specific drug can work effectively to eradicate a specific type of cancer. For example, the cancer of bladder, stomach, ovaries, lung and testicle can be effectively treated by cisplatin which is a powerful chemotherapeutic drug. Cisplatin chemotherapy can prove immensely effective in eradicating these diseases. A flexible and fine tube is used in this chemotherapy to infuse this specific drug into the vein of a patient. This drug can also be infused through a PICC line.

Though cisplatin chemotherapy can be appeared immensely effective in eliminating the traces of cancer from a patient, this therapy is also replete with numerous types of side effects. The severeness of these side effects is largely dependent on the doze of drug that is used in a treatment. The number of side effects may vary person to person. If a patient is given cisplatin along with other drugs in chemotherapy, then his side effects will be starkly different from a patient who is treated with only cisplatin. There are some other factors that also influence in this specific sphere.

An interaction with a doctor is obviously needed if a cancer patient is feeling any kind of inconvenience after the completion of cisplatin chemotherapy. Some of the inconveniences are common and some of them very rare. Vomiting and nausea are the two most common side effects that may starts immediately after the completion of chemotherapy. This may continue for a few days. Now with the advent of modern technology, cancer patients are getting relieved by taking some anti sickness drugs. But if a patient doesn’t get relief from this anti-sickness drug, he must have to visit a doctor.

Kidneys can also be affected by the side effect of cisplatin chemotherapy. Though it has been observed that this treatment doesn’t affect the kidneys strongly, doctors always check the status of the kidney by checking the blood test report before starting a chemotherapy treatment. For ensuring the proper working of kidneys, fluid is passed into the vein. Practitioner generally asks a patient about proper urination because this has a paramount importance in this case. If a patient is facing problem in urination, he can be provided with some medications to assist him in this purpose. Drinking ample liquid would certainly enhance the situation.

Cisplatin chemotherapy can affect the neural system of our body. That is why some patient feel numbness or have an itchy feeling in feet and hands. But these side effects are ephemeral and generally disappear within a few months. One can also feel that his taste has been changed. But this is also temporary problem. A patient’s fertility can also be damaged by the side effect of this therapy. One can lose the capability to become a father or mother. Therefore one has to consult with his doctor before starting chemotherapy treatment. Anemia, loss of appetite and hair loss are some other common side effects. An experienced doctor or a dietitian can help a patent a lot to fight against these side effects.