Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat the whole body and to kill cancer cells wherever they might spread. Most typically, these are given as an intravenous infusion via a drip, although some chemotherapy drugs can be given in tablet form. Drugs can be given on their own, but are frequently given in combination, every few weeks for a variable duration but typically lasting several months. The drugs given and their frequency will depend on the type of cancer.

All side effects will be carefully explained and ways to avoid/treat them will be discussed by the teams involved in your care. The majority of side effects are temporary and will resolve on completion of treatment. Your Clinical Nurse Specialist and doctors will explain specific side effects of the drugs you are receiving.

The majority of patients requiring chemotherapy at Barts Cancer Centre will receive treatment as an outpatient on ward 7A of the new King George V building. This ward has been located for the best views of the city of London, and patient treatment areas are light, spacious with comfortable chairs. Some patients may require overnight stays in hospital, but this will be discussed with you prior to treatment.

For further information about chemotherapy, visit Macmillan's website, click here: www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Chemotherapy/Chemotherapy.aspx