Damaging cancer cells
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy, drugs (cytostatics) are administered to inhibit the growth, division and multiplication of cancer cells.
There are a variety of active substances that are used in this type of therapy. Exactly which ones are administered depends on the type of cancer and the patient's state of health. Patients usually receive cytostatic drugs in the form of an infusion, less frequently as tablets. A combination of different drugs and forms of therapy can also be used: For example, prior chemotherapy can already damage the cancer cells to such an extent that subsequent radiotherapy is much more effective.
Chemotherapy is usually administered on an outpatient basis. The frequency of the treatments and the overall period of therapy varies greatly from person to person and can be staggered or given all at once. The aim of treatment is firstly to eliminate a tumor and secondly to destroy other cancer cells that have already spread.
Chemotherapy: yes or no?
Chemotherapy is one of the most important forms of treatment in cancer therapy. But whether and in what form it is used depends on many factors. For example: What is the success rate for a particular type of tumor? What stage is the cancer at? What is the aim of the treatment? And last but not least: How is the patient doing with it?
Making a decision together
Whether and in what form chemotherapy is an option for them is best discussed with the doctors treating them. Patients should carefully weigh up the benefits and possible risks depending on their state of health, the aim of the therapy and the burden of any side effects that may occur. They decide together with the responsible experts what the exact treatment plan should look like and whether adjustments need to be made during the course of treatment. At the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) of the six Bavarian university hospitals, they have the opportunity to do so.
Side effects
Cancer cells divide more frequently than healthy cells. This is why cytostatic drugs have a stronger effect on them. As most chemotherapies have a systemic effect throughout the body, not only cancer cells but also healthy cells are damaged during therapy. This causes side effects that cannot be completely avoided, but can be increasingly better controlled. Which, whether and to what extent these undesirable effects occur (e.g. hair loss, skin changes, dry mucous membranes, increased risk of infection, fatigue) varies greatly from individual to individual. The treatment team can support patients in dealing with any side effects that occur.
What is Shared Decision Making (SDM)?
Shared Decision Making (SDM) is based on information and co-determination by those affected and is currently being introduced at the BZKF sites. In the SDM process, patients decide together with the responsible experts at the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC ) of the six Bavarian university hospitals exactly what a treatment plan looks like and whether adjustments need to be made during the course of treatment.
Further information
You can also find further information about treatment options, therapy support services and patient testimonials here:
German Cancer Society
Telephone cancer counseling
You can also obtain further general information on the subject of chemotherapy via the free BürgerTelefonKrebs: 0800 85 100 80.
Our staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you!
