Lung Cancer Chemotherapy

For some people with lung cancer, chemotherapy may be an effective treatment. Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that uses drugs to halt the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often an outpatient treatment; however, depending on the drugs used and the health of the patient, a hospital stay may be required. When used to treat lung cancer, chemotherapy may be given on its own or combined with other treatment methods. Side effects of chemotherapy may include an increased risk of infection, a lack of energy, hair loss, nausea, and mouth sores.

 

An Overview of Lung Cancer Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a lung cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. Doctors also use chemotherapy to help reduce pain and other problems caused by lung cancer. Chemotherapy may be given alone, with radiation, or with surgery and radiation.
 
In most cases of lung cancer, chemotherapy drugs are administered by injection directly into a vein (IV) or by means of a catheter, a thin tube that is placed into a large vein and remains there as long as it is needed. Some anticancer drugs are given in the form of a pill.
 
When used to treat people with lung cancer, chemotherapy is usually performed on an outpatient basis at the hospital, clinic, doctor's office, or home. However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, the patient may need to stay in the hospital.
 

Side Effects of Lung Cancer Chemotherapy

The side effects of lung cancer chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives. As with other types of lung cancer treatment, side effects are different for each patient.
 
Chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, including blood cells. Blood cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When anticancer drugs damage blood cells, patients are more likely to get infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may have less energy.
 
Cells in hair roots and cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. As a result, patients may lose their hair and may have other side effects such as poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, or mouth sores.
 
Usually, these side effects go away gradually during the recovery periods between treatments or after treatment is complete. The healthcare team can suggest ways to relieve side effects.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD