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T +27 (0)21 900 6277
E reception@haemalife.co.za

A 4G Riverside View Chambers
Netcare Kuils River Hospital
33 Van Riebeeck Road
Kuils River
7580


Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. Damage to healthy cells may result in side effects. Often the side effects of chemo get better or go away after chemotherapy is completed.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

About Chemotherapy?

What does Chemotherapy do?

Depending on your type of cancer and how advanced it is, chemotherapy can:

  • Cure cancer – when chemotherapy destroys cancer cells to the point that your doctor can no longer detect them in your body, and they will not grow back.
  • Control cancer – when chemotherapy keeps cancer from spreading, slows its growth or destroys cancer cells that have spread to other parts of your body.
  • Ease cancer symptoms (also called palliative care) – when chemotherapy shrinks tumours that are causing pain or pressure.
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About Chemotherapy?

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TIPS FOR MEETING WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE
  • Make a list of your questions before each appointment. Some people keep a “running list’ and write down new queries as they think of them. Make sure to have space on the list to write down the answers from your Doctor or Nurse.
  • You are welcome to bring a family member or a trusted friend to your medical visits. This person can help you to understand what the doctor or nurse said and can talk with you about your appointment.
  • Ask all your questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you do not understand an answer, please ask the team to explain further until you are comfortable with the answer.
  • Let your doctor or nurse know how much information you want. Some people want to learn everything they can about cancer and its treatment, others only want limited information. The choice is yours.

Side Effects

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WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL YOUR DOCTOR?
Diarrhoea typically causes stomach cramps and loose, watery stools. Mostly it’s an inconvenience, but if your symptoms persist or get worse, it could be a sign of something more serious. Diarrhoea can also lead to other problems, such as severe dehydration.
Some signs and symptoms are more serious than others are. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
  • Six or more loose bowel movements a day for more than two days.
  • Blood in your stool
  • Inability to urinate for 12 hours or more
  • Inability to drink liquids
  • Weight loss due to diarrhoea
  • Diarrhoea after several days of constipation
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Fever of 38.3ºC or higher
  • Shaking chills
  • If your diarrhoea doesn’t seem severe but starts to interfere with your daily activities, such as if you’re concerned about leaving home or going somewhere without a bathroom nearby, talk to your doctor. If abdominal cramping is keeping you from your daily activities, discuss this with your doctor as well..

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CLL

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a slow-growing cancer of B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In CLL, abnormal B-cells accumulate in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues, often crowding out healthy cells and weakening the immune system.

Diagnosis is made through blood tests showing a high number of mature-looking lymphocytes, flow cytometry to confirm their identity, and sometimes bone marrow biopsy. Genetic testing helps predict disease course and guide treatment.

Types of CLL are classified mainly by genetic features (e.g., deletions of 17p, 13q, or mutations like TP53) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGHV) mutation status, which influence prognosis and therapy choice.

Treatment options depend on symptoms, disease progression, and risk factors. Many patients are initially monitored without treatment (“watch and wait”). When therapy is needed, options include targeted therapies (BTK inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors), chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and in select cases, stem cell transplantation. Supportive care focuses on managing infections and other complications.

MYELOMA

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. In MM, abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells and producing defective antibodies, which can cause organ damage.

Diagnosis involves blood tests (showing abnormal proteins or anemia), urine tests (detecting excess light chains), and a bone marrow biopsy. Imaging like X-rays, MRI, or PET/CT scans can detect bone lesions. Additional tests identify genetic changes that affect prognosis.

Types of Myeloma are often classified based on the type of abnormal protein produced (IgG, IgA, light-chain, etc.) and genetic features of the plasma cells. Smoldering (asymptomatic) myeloma is an early, slow-growing form.

Treatment options depend on age, health, and disease stage. Common approaches include chemotherapy, targeted therapies (like proteasome inhibitors or immunomodulators), immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies), stem cell transplantation, and supportive care to manage bone disease, anemia, or kidney problems.

ALL

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which immature lymphoid cells (B or T lymphocytes) multiply uncontrollably, crowding out normal blood cells and impairing immune function.

Diagnosis involves blood tests showing abnormal lymphoblasts, followed by a bone marrow biopsy. Immunophenotyping, cytogenetic, and molecular testing are used to confirm the diagnosis, classify the subtype, and assess prognosis.

Types of ALL are classified based on the lymphocyte involved (B-cell or T-cell ALL) and specific genetic abnormalities. Certain subtypes, such as Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL, have important treatment implications.

Treatment options depend on age, risk factors, and genetic findings. Therapy typically includes multi-phase chemotherapy, targeted therapies (such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors), immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies or CAR T-cell therapy), and in some cases stem cell transplantation. Supportive care is essential throughout treatment.

AML

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which abnormal myeloid cells multiply and crowd out normal blood cells, leading to anemia, infections, and bleeding.

Diagnosis is made through blood tests showing abnormal cells, followed by a bone marrow biopsy. Additional tests such as cytogenetic, molecular, and immunophenotyping studies help confirm AML and guide treatment.

Types of AML are classified based on cell appearance and genetic changes. Major systems include the WHO and FAB classifications. Subtypes are defined by specific chromosome or gene abnormalities, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which requires specialized therapy.

Treatment options depend on patient age, health, and AML subtype. They may include intensive chemotherapy, targeted therapies (such as FLT3 or IDH inhibitors), immunotherapy, and stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation. Supportive care, including antibiotics and blood transfusions, is also essential.