3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Oncology Treatments: Chemotherapy & Radiation

Oncology Treatments: Chemotherapy & Radiation

What is oncology?

Oncology treatments play a crucial role in combating cancer by utilising a variety of approaches to target and destroy cancerous cells while minimising harm to healthy tissue. Among the most common and effective oncology treatments are chemotherapy and radiation therapy, both of which have proven to be essential in the fight against cancer.

Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the type of cancer being treated. Chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to grow and multiply, thereby reducing the size of tumours and preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. 

On the other hand, radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. This treatment works by damaging the DNA within cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally, using machines that direct radiation beams at the cancer, or internally, where radioactive materials are placed inside the body near the cancer cells. This treatment is highly precise, targeting only the cancerous area to minimise damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to enhance its effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.

How do chemotherapy and radiation therapy work?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy both work by disrupting the growth and division of cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses drugs to target cancer cells throughout the body, while radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas. Below is a detailed comparison of how chemotherapy and radiation therapy work:

Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy have their own set of benefits that contribute to improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Here are some of the major benefits these oncological treatments offer: 

radiation therapy singapore
Radiation therapy is a common oncological treatment that uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas of the body.

Chemotherapy:

  • Systemic treatment: targets cancer cells throughout the body, which makes it effective for cancers that have spread.
  • Combination therapy: often used alongside other treatments like surgery and radiation for comprehensive cancer care.
  • Shrink tumours: can reduce tumour size before surgery, which makes removal easier.

Radiation Therapy:

  • Localised treatment: precisely targets cancer cells in specific areas, which helps minimise damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Effective for various cancers: useful for treating many types of cancer, including those in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Pre- and post-surgery: can shrink tumours before surgery or eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Aspect

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Mechanism of Action

Uses drugs to interfere with cell division by damaging DNA/RNA

Uses high doses of radiation to damage DNA in cancer cells

Administration

Orally (pills/liquid) or intravenously (through a vein)

External beam (machine-directed) or internal (brachytherapy)

Target

Systemic (throughout the body)

Localised (specific area of the body)

Types

Various drugs targeting different cell cycle phases; often combined

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

Combination with Other Treatments

Often combined with radiation therapy or surgery for enhanced effectiveness

Often used before surgery to shrink tumours or after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells

Side Effects

Affects rapidly dividing healthy cells; side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and infection risk

Can affect nearby healthy cells; side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, and localised changes

 

chemotherapy singapore
Chemotherapy can help cure tumour cells by using drugs that interfere with their DNA or RNA, and prevent them from growing and dividing.

What conditions can chemotherapy and radiation therapy treat?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are versatile treatments used to combat a wide range of cancers and other medical conditions.

Chemotherapy:

  • Solid tumours: effective against cancers such as breast, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer.
  • Blood cancers: treats leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
  • Metastatic cancer: addresses cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation therapy:

  • Localised tumours: treat cancers such as colon and gastric cancers.
  • Palliative care: alleviates symptoms in advanced cancer cases.
  • Combination therapy: enhances the effectiveness of other treatments, like surgery and chemotherapy, in various cancers.
These treatments provide critical options for managing and potentially curing various types of cancer, which helps improve patient outcomes across different stages and types of the disease.
colon cancer singapore
Radiation therapy can treat breast cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells in thecolon using high-energy radiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each chemotherapy session can vary in length, from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the drugs used and the treatment plan. Radiation therapy sessions typically last about 10 to 30 minutes, including the time needed to position the patient correctly​.

Many patients continue to work during chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but it depends on the type and intensity of your treatment, as well as your overall health. Some patients may need to adjust their work schedules or take time off, especially if they experience significant side effects​.

If you experience severe side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare team immediately. They can provide medications and strategies to manage side effects and ensure your treatment plan is adjusted as needed to maintain your quality of life​.

Regular imaging tests and blood work will be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. Your oncologist will review these results with you and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Long-term side effects can vary depending on the specific treatment and individual factors. Some potential long-term effects include fatigue, heart issues, or secondary cancers. Your oncologist will discuss these risks with you.

Both treatments can impact fertility in men and women. It’s crucial to discuss fertility preservation options with your oncologist before starting treatment.

While some patients may experience changes in appetite or taste, maintaining a balanced diet is important. Your healthcare team can provide dietary recommendations to manage any side effects.

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, although it varies depending on the specific drugs and dosages used. Radiation therapy usually causes hair loss only in the treated area. Your healthcare provider can give you a better idea based on your specific treatment plan.

Location

Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

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