Chemotherapy in Gurgaon and Faridabad

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing and multiplying. These medicines are known as anticancer drugs and may be administered individually or in combinations, depending on the cancer diagnosis and treatment protocol.

Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Since many cancer cells multiply quickly, they are particularly affected by these medicines. However, some healthy cells that also divide rapidly can be affected, which explains common side effects such as hair loss, nausea and reduced blood cell counts.

In patients with blood cancers, chemotherapy may be used to control abnormal blood cells, achieve remission, reduce the risk of relapse or prepare the patient for a bone marrow transplant.

The chemotherapy plan is not the same for every patient. It depends on the type of cancer, disease stage, genetic and molecular findings, previous treatment response and the patient's overall health.

When Is Chemotherapy Recommended?

Chemotherapy may be recommended when cancer cells need to be destroyed, controlled or prevented from spreading. The decision depends on the type of cancer, its stage, genetic characteristics, previous treatment response and the patient's overall health.

A medical oncologist or hemato-oncologist evaluates these factors before selecting an appropriate chemotherapy protocol.

Chemotherapy may be recommended in the following situations:

• To achieve remission: To reduce or eliminate detectable cancer cells, particularly in certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.
• Before surgery or other treatment: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may help shrink a tumour before surgery in selected cancers.
• After surgery: Adjuvant chemotherapy may help destroy remaining microscopic cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence in selected solid tumours.
• To control advanced cancer: Chemotherapy may help slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
• Before Bone Marrow Transplant: High-dose chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiation, may be used as part of a conditioning regimen before stem cell transplantation.

Not every patient requires chemotherapy. The treatment plan is individualized according to the diagnosis and clinical assessment.

Types of Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy can be administered using different medicines and approaches. The choice depends on the cancer type, treatment objective and the patient's medical condition.

1. Intravenous Chemotherapy

In intravenous chemotherapy, anticancer medicines are administered directly into a vein through an IV line, cannula or central venous catheter. It is commonly used for several blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. The duration of administration depends on the prescribed medicines and treatment protocol.

2. Oral Chemotherapy

Some anticancer medicines are available as tablets or capsules and can be taken by mouth. Examples include selected targeted and chemotherapy medicines used in certain hematological malignancies. Patients must follow the prescribed dose and schedule carefully, as oral cancer medicines also require regular monitoring.

3. Combination Chemotherapy

Combination chemotherapy involves using two or more anticancer medicines together. Different medicines act through different mechanisms to target cancer cells. This approach is commonly used in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. The specific combination is selected according to the disease and established treatment protocols.

4. High-Dose Chemotherapy

High-dose chemotherapy involves administering intensive anticancer medicines to achieve stronger disease control. In selected patients, it is used as part of the conditioning regimen before an autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Close monitoring and supportive care are essential because high-dose treatment can significantly suppress normal bone marrow function.

Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer

Chemotherapy remains an important treatment approach for several hematological malignancies. The medicines, combinations and treatment duration vary according to the specific type of blood cancer.

1. Chemotherapy for Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer involving blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow, leading to abnormal production of blood cells. Chemotherapy is an important treatment component for several types of leukemia.

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Treatment may involve intensive induction chemotherapy followed by consolidation treatment. Some patients may require allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment generally involves multiple phases, including induction, consolidation and maintenance, depending on the protocol.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Targeted medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the mainstay of treatment for most patients. Chemotherapy or transplantation may be considered in selected situations.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Treatment may involve targeted therapies, immunotherapy or selected chemotherapy-based combinations, depending on the patient's disease characteristics.

2. Chemotherapy for Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. It is broadly classified into Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Chemotherapy is an important treatment option for many lymphoma patients.

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: Combination chemotherapy is commonly used, sometimes with radiotherapy or other treatments depending on the disease stage.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Treatment varies according to the lymphoma subtype, disease stage and clinical condition. Some patients receive combination chemotherapy with immunotherapy.

3. Chemotherapy for Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that develops in the bone marrow. Treatment often involves combinations of medicines, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, corticosteroids and monoclonal antibodies. For eligible patients, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.

How Is Chemotherapy Given?

The chemotherapy process usually follows a planned schedule known as a treatment cycle. Each cycle includes a treatment period followed by a recovery period, allowing the body to recover before the next cycle.

The process generally includes:

• 1. Pre-treatment Assessment: Blood counts, kidney function, liver function and other relevant investigations are reviewed.
• 2. Medicine Administration: Chemotherapy medicines are given intravenously or orally according to the prescribed protocol.
• 3. Monitoring: The medical team monitors the patient's response and checks for possible side effects.
• 4. Recovery Period: A gap between cycles allows normal cells, particularly blood cells, to recover.
• 5. Response Assessment: Blood tests, bone marrow examination, imaging or other disease-specific tests may be performed to assess treatment response.

The number of cycles and duration of chemotherapy vary significantly between different cancers and treatment protocols.

Chemotherapy Side Effects and Their Management

Chemotherapy medicines target cancer cells, but they can also affect some healthy cells that divide rapidly. This may lead to side effects during or after treatment. The type and severity of side effects depend on the medicines used, dosage, treatment duration and the patient's overall health. Not every patient experiences the same side effects.

Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

• 1. Nausea and Vomiting: Some chemotherapy medicines can cause nausea and vomiting. Doctors may prescribe antiemetic medicines to prevent or control these symptoms.
• 2. Hair Loss: Certain chemotherapy drugs affect hair follicles and may cause temporary hair loss. Hair usually starts growing back after treatment, although the timing varies.
• 3. Low Blood Counts: Chemotherapy can temporarily affect bone marrow function and reduce the production of normal blood cells:
  • Neutropenia: Low neutrophil counts can increase the risk of infections.
  • Anemia: Reduced red blood cells may cause weakness, fatigue and breathlessness.
  • Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet counts can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• 4. Mouth Ulcers and Mucositis: Some patients develop mouth ulcers, soreness or difficulty swallowing. Oral hygiene, appropriate mouth care and prescribed medicines can help manage these symptoms.
• 5. Fatigue and Weakness: Tiredness is common during chemotherapy. Adequate rest, nutrition, hydration and appropriate physical activity may help patients manage fatigue.
• 6. Increased Risk of Infection: When white blood cell counts decrease, the body's ability to fight infections may be reduced. Fever during chemotherapy, particularly with neutropenia, requires urgent medical assessment.

How Can Chemotherapy Side Effects Be Managed?

Supportive care is an important part of cancer treatment. Depending on the patient's condition, doctors may recommend:

• Regular CBC and blood investigations.
• Antiemetic medicines to control nausea and vomiting.
• Blood or platelet transfusions when clinically indicated.
• Infection prevention measures and appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
• Nutritional support and adequate hydration.
• Oral care and medicines for mouth ulcers.
• Dose adjustments or treatment modifications when necessary.

Why Choose BMT Next for Chemotherapy in Gurgaon and Faridabad?

Choosing the right specialist team is important when undergoing chemotherapy, particularly for complex blood cancers and hematological conditions.

BMT Next at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram and Faridabad, provides specialized Hematology, Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant services. The team focuses on accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning and supportive care throughout the treatment journey.

What Makes BMT Next a Specialist Centre for Blood Cancer Care?

• Experienced Hematology Team: Led by Dr. Meet Kumar, Clinical Director & HOD – Hemato-Oncology & BMT, with expertise in complex blood cancers and hematological disorders.
• Adult and Pediatric Specialists: Dedicated expertise in adult and childhood leukemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders.
• Individualized Chemotherapy Planning: Treatment protocols selected according to cancer type, disease characteristics, molecular findings and patient fitness.
• Advanced Treatment Options: Evaluation for targeted therapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation wherever clinically appropriate.
• Transplant Expertise: Marengo Asia Hospitals has performed 1,400+ bone marrow transplants.
• Continuous Monitoring: Assessment of treatment response, blood counts, side effects and supportive care requirements.

The objective is to provide evidence-based treatment planning and comprehensive care for patients with blood cancers and complex hematological conditions.