Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsContraindicationsRisksWhat to ExpectOther Types of TreatmentDeciding to Stop ChemotherapyFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Contraindications
Risks
What to Expect
Other Types of Treatment
Deciding to Stop Chemotherapy
FAQ
Althoughchemotherapyis an effective cancer treatment, it’s not recommended for everyone. In certain situations, chemotherapy may not be recommended for patients who may experience seriousside effectsfrom the treatment.
In this article, we’ll discuss when chemotherapy is not recommended and what factors are taken into consideration when making that decision.
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The Benefits of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapyis a group of medications that can kill cancer cells and is recommended for several types of cancer. It is very effective and may be used on its own or combined with other treatments. For example, youroncologistmay recommend a round of chemotherapy to shrink your tumor before surgery.
Cancer cellstend to multiply quickly and replicate much faster than healthy cells. For this reason, chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells. The main drawback to chemotherapy is that it cannot differentiate cancer cells from healthy cells. Therefore, normal cells are also destroyed in the process. This is why chemotherapy has so many possible side effects.
When developing your treatment plan, your oncologist aims to find the dose of chemotherapy that kills cancer cells while trying to spare as many healthy cells as possible. Fortunately, normal cells are able to recover from chemotherapy, but it may take time. Cancer cells, on the other hand, are not able to recover from chemotherapy.
When Is Chemo Not Recommended?
Chemotherapy is not recommended when the potential risks outweigh the benefits. Because of chemotherapy’s considerable side effects, it may not be safe for individuals who have underlying conditions. If your oncologist worries that your body is not strong enough to withstand chemotherapy, they will likely recommend other treatment options.
Factors to consider when determining if chemotherapy is appropriate include:
Fortunately, cancer treatments are always evolving and improving. There are now certain types of cancer that no longer require chemotherapy because more effective treatment protocols have been developed.
For example, a 2018 study in theNew England Journal of Medicinefound that most women diagnosed with early-stagebreast cancerdo not require chemotherapy after surgery. According to the study’s authors, this means that 70% of early-stage breast cancer patients can safely avoid chemotherapy because it is not necessary.
Chemotherapy’s Risks
The most common chemotherapy side effects include:
Chemotherapy Side Effects
What to Expect During Chemotherapy Treatment
Chemotherapy treatments can vary drastically based on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. A chemotherapy appointment may take place in an oncology clinic, doctor’s office, or the hospital.
Because chemotherapy can cause significant side effects, the treatment is usually given in rounds with breaks in between. These breaks allow time for your body to recover. The chemotherapy treatment and rest period are known as a treatment cycle.
Chemotherapy can be given in the following forms:
8 Things to Know Before Your First Chemo Treatment
Other Types of Treatment for Cancer
There are several types of cancer treatments available, and the list is always growing. Common cancer treatment options include:
How Cancer Is Treated
How Do I Decide to Stop Chemotherapy?
To help you make an informed decision on whether or not to stop chemotherapy, ask your oncologist these questions:
It’s important to clearly understand the purpose for, and potential outcomes of, chemotherapy for your cancer. It is also essential to honestly convey your wishes regarding your care and treatment going forward.
Summary
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses chemicals to destroy cancer cells. However, it also attacks healthy cells and can lead to significant side effects. Possible side effects include fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, and many others. Talk with your doctor about whether the potential benefits of chemotherapy outweigh the risks for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe short answer is that it depends. While chemotherapy comes with a significant risk of side effects, it is also an effective treatment option for fighting several types of cancer. Talk with your medical team about the possible side effects and the likelihood of chemotherapy being effective against your type of cancer.If you have undergone several rounds of chemotherapy without an improvement in your disease, your medical team will likely discuss other options with you. Other treatment options for cancer include radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapies, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.Yes, it is always possible to refuse treatment for cancer. Your medical team will talk with you about their recommendations for your treatment plan, but you are the one to decide whether or not to begin treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is that it depends. While chemotherapy comes with a significant risk of side effects, it is also an effective treatment option for fighting several types of cancer. Talk with your medical team about the possible side effects and the likelihood of chemotherapy being effective against your type of cancer.
If you have undergone several rounds of chemotherapy without an improvement in your disease, your medical team will likely discuss other options with you. Other treatment options for cancer include radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapies, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
Yes, it is always possible to refuse treatment for cancer. Your medical team will talk with you about their recommendations for your treatment plan, but you are the one to decide whether or not to begin treatment.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.How chemotherapy drugs work.
Palmieri LJ, Dubreuil O, Bachet JB, et al.Reasons for chemotherapy discontinuation and end-of-life in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A multicenter prospective AGEO study.Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2021;45(1):101431. doi:10.1016/j.clinre.2020.03.029
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy side effects.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy.
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