Melanoma Cancer Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy for Melanoma Cancer
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), chemotherapy (chemo) is generally reserved for patients with metastatic disease that has spread to distant parts of the body. If chemotherapy may be an option for you, your care team at CTCA will work together to select the right type of chemo and to develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. They usually target rapidly dividing cells. These drugs may be delivered intravenously, by injection or by mouth. They then travel through your bloodstream to attack cancer cells throughout your body, and for this reason your care team may also refer to chemotherapy as systemic therapy. Chemo is usually given in cycles, to allow your body time to recover between treatments.
Managing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
We plan for and help minimize unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss and mouth sores. Your care team at CTCA uses treatment approaches that can reduce or moderate these side effects. Your doctor may deliver melanoma cancer chemotherapy treatments in smaller doses to reduce nausea and vomiting. Additionally, your dietitian and other members of your team will work proactively with you to find the right combination of natural therapies to prevent or alleviate these side effects.
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