Chemotherapy Cycles and Schedules
Chemotherapy Cycles
Chemo is typically given in cycles, with rest periods between the cycles.
A cycle can last 1 or more days. A cycle is typically given every 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks.
A typical course may consist of multiple cycles.1
Receiving some chemotherapy drugs may take a relatively short period of time, while others may take hours. It all depends on the treatment regimen that your doctor prescribes.2
If your chemo is given through an IV, your doctor may suggest an implanted vascular access device (VAD), such as an implanted catheter or port.1 VADs are surgically placed in a large vein near the heart and can stay in place for long periods of time. A VAD eliminates the need to have smaller catheters repeatedly placed in arm veins.
Chemotherapy Schedules
How often you receive chemo depends on the type of cancer you have and the drug or combination of drugs you receive.2 Different drugs work at varying times in the cancer cell growth process. Taking all of these factors into consideration, your doctor will help you determine the most effective treatment schedule for you. Chemotherapy may also be used in combination with surgery.1
Your doctor has carefully determined your chemotherapy dose and schedule.
Chemotherapy after surgery is referred to as adjuvant chemotherapy1 The goal of adjuvant chemotherapy is to kill any cancer cells left in the body after surgery.
Chemotherapy given before surgery is referred to as neoadjuvant chemotherapy
The goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to shrink the cancer before it is
surgically removed.1
Chemotherapy side effects can interfere with treatment schedules. Learn how to best manage chemotherapy side effects.
1. Chemotherapy and you. National Cancer Institute. Updated May 2007. NIH Publication No. 07—7156. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy—and—you.pdf. Accessed May 12, 2010.
2. How often will I receive chemotherapy and how long will it last? American Cancer Society website. Updated September 11, 2008.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_7X_How_Often_
Will_I_Receive_Chemotherapy_Treatment_and_How_Long_Will_It_Last.asp. Accessed May 12, 2010.
Understanding Cancer –
Chemotherapy Side Effects –
Treating Cancer in Other Ways
Tracking Your Test Results –
Understanding Insurance and Tax Issues
Chemotherapy Resources and Organizations –
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