High-dose chemotherapy

Overview of high-dose chemotherapy in cancer treatment

High-dose chemotherapy

Chemotherapy being administered intravenously

High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) is a form of cancer treatment that involves administering higher than standard doses of chemotherapy drugs. The primary goal of HDC is to eradicate cancer cells more effectively by using increased concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. This approach is often used in conjunction with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to restore the bone marrow function that is compromised by the high doses of chemotherapy.

Mechanism of action

Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer cells. High-dose chemotherapy amplifies this effect by increasing the concentration of drugs, thereby enhancing their ability to kill cancer cells. However, this also increases the risk of damage to normal, healthy cells, particularly those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles.

Applications

High-dose chemotherapy is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including:

• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia
• Breast cancer
• Germ cell tumors

The use of HDC is often followed by a stem cell transplant, which helps to replenish the bone marrow cells destroyed by the chemotherapy.

Procedure

The process of administering high-dose chemotherapy typically involves several steps:

1. Preparation: Patients undergo a series of tests to ensure they are fit for the treatment. 2. Stem cell collection: Before chemotherapy, stem cells are collected from the patient or a donor. 3. Chemotherapy administration: High doses of chemotherapy drugs are administered, usually over a period of several days. 4. Stem cell transplant: After chemotherapy, the collected stem cells are infused back into the patient to aid in the recovery of the bone marrow.

Side effects

Stomach pain, a common side effect of chemotherapy

The side effects of high-dose chemotherapy can be more severe than those of standard chemotherapy due to the higher drug concentrations. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue
• Infections due to low white blood cell counts
• Hair loss

Hair loss, a common side effect of chemotherapy

Recovery and prognosis

Recovery from high-dose chemotherapy can be challenging and requires careful monitoring and supportive care. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

Related pages

• Chemotherapy
• Stem cell transplant
• Cancer treatment
• Bone marrow

Bone marrow transplant, often used in conjunction with high-dose chemotherapy