The surgery was done, why do I need chemotherapy? (Part 2)

In this article, we will introduce chemotherapy drugs, methods, regimens and common side effects.

Chemotherapy drugs generally include paclitaxel and platinum drugs. Chemotherapy methods include intravenous chemotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimens are divided into adjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

What is adjuvant chemotherapy?

Adjuvant chemotherapy is performed after surgery, mainly to eliminate tiny tumors remaining after surgery and achieve tumor remission.

What is neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is for patients whose tumors cannot be removed or whose general condition is poor. Its purpose is to reduce the size and range of the tumor, reduce postoperative complications and increase the R0 resection rate.

The regimen mainly includes: paclitaxel + carboplatin for three cycles. This is the current preferred regimen, and bevacizumab can also be used in combination.

What are the common side effects of drugs?

Gastrointestinal reactions are the most familiar to everyone, such as nausea and vomiting.

It usually occurs 1-2 hours after taking the medicine, so the routine treatment is to intervene with antiemetic drugs.

This adverse reaction can be greatly alleviated by changing your lifestyle and diet. For example:

01Keep the indoor air circulating and fresh;

02 Eat small meals frequently, avoid being too full, and avoid being hungry to increase nausea;

03Don’t eat a few hours before chemotherapy;

04 You can rinse your mouth with light salt water before eating to keep your mouth clean and free of odor;

05 Distract yourself by chatting, listening to music, or having family members accompany you during meals;

06 Avoid sweets, greasy foods, and foods high in fat. Eat food at room temperature and avoid overheating or overcooling.

In addition, paclitaxel and platinum drugs will also produce a series of side effects, which we will describe in detail in the next article. Don’t miss it~

Note: There is no copyright issue for the pictures in this article

Author: Wang Ying Liuzhou, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health and Medical College

About the Author

Liuzhou

Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor of Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Adjunct Professor of Hainan Medical College.

Engaged in clinical, teaching and scientific research work in obstetrics and gynecology for 28 years. Professional research direction: gynecological tumors, gynecological minimally invasive techniques and conservative surgery for adenomyosis, and rescue of critical obstetric emergencies.

Clinic hours: Monday afternoon, Thursday morning.

About the Author

Wang Ying

Deputy Chief Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health Medical College. Has been engaged in obstetrics and gynecology for 20 years and has been working in the front line of obstetrics and gynecology for a long time.

In the past 20 years of work experience, I have systematically and comprehensively mastered the diagnosis and treatment principles and measures of common, frequently occurring and difficult and complicated diseases in obstetrics and gynecology. I have accumulated rich clinical experience and advocated the patient-centered working principle in the diagnosis and treatment process. I have good professional ethics and dedication.

Clinic hours: Saturday morning.

Funded by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission's Science Popularization Project

(Project No.: 20DZ2311100)