Chemotherapy Types & Pre-Treatment Tests Explained

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used cancer treatments. There are various chemotherapy regimens tailored to different types and stages of cancer. Additionally, before receiving chemotherapy, patients must undergo specific medical tests to ensure their body can handle the treatment safely. This article provides an overview of chemotherapy types and essential pre-treatment evaluations.

Types of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy regimens vary depending on the type of cancer, treatment goals, and response to the drugs. Here are the major categories:

1. Single-Agent Chemotherapy

This approach uses a single chemotherapy drug, commonly used for cancers that respond well to a single agent, such as:

Methotrexate for leukemia
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) for gastrointestinal cancers
Cisplatin for lung and ovarian cancer

2. Combination Chemotherapy

A regimen involving multiple chemotherapy drugs to enhance effectiveness and reduce resistance. Examples include:

FOLFOX (5-FU + Leucovorin + Oxaliplatin) for colorectal cancer
AC-T (Adriamycin + Cyclophosphamide + Taxane) for breast cancer
CHOP (Cyclophosphamide + Doxorubicin + Vincristine + Prednisone) for lymphoma

3. Targeted Chemotherapy

This involves chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy drugs, such as:

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer
Bevacizumab for lung and colorectal cancer

4. Dose-Dense Chemotherapy

A strategy where chemotherapy is administered more frequently in lower doses to improve treatment response, such as AC-T dose-dense for breast cancer.

5. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (Pre-Surgery)

Chemotherapy given before surgery to shrink tumors, such as:

Paclitaxel + Carboplatin for lung cancer

6. Adjuvant Chemotherapy (Post-Surgery)

Used after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells, such as:

FOLFOX for colorectal cancer

7. Palliative Chemotherapy

For patients with advanced-stage cancer, this therapy aims to relieve symptoms and prolong life, such as:

Capecitabine for metastatic colorectal cancer

Essential Tests Before Chemotherapy

Before starting chemotherapy, doctors conduct comprehensive health evaluations to ensure patient safety and minimize side effects. These essential tests include:

1. Blood Tests

CBC (Complete Blood Count) – Checks white and red blood cell levels to ensure the body can tolerate chemotherapy.
LFT (Liver Function Test) – Assesses liver function, as the liver processes chemotherapy drugs.
RFT (Renal Function Test) – Evaluates kidney health since some chemotherapy drugs can be nephrotoxic.
Electrolytes & Albumin – Measures nutrient and electrolyte balance.

2. Chest X-ray or CT Scan

Detects potential lung metastasis or infections before chemotherapy initiation.

3. Electrocardiogram (EKG) or Echocardiogram

Recommended for patients receiving cardiotoxic drugs like Doxorubicin or Trastuzumab to monitor heart function. Doxorubicin หรือ Trastuzumab

4. Blood Sugar Levels

Since some chemotherapy drugs can raise blood sugar levels, diabetic patients require additional monitoring.

5. Hepatitis B & C Screening

Patients with hepatitis B may need antiviral therapy before chemotherapy to prevent viral reactivation.

6. Genetic Testing

Testing for HER2, KRAS, PD-L1 mutations helps determine if targeted therapy is an appropriate option.

summarize

Chemotherapy comes in various regimens depending on the cancer type and treatment objectives.
Comprehensive health evaluations are necessary before chemotherapy to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize risks.
Consulting an oncologist ensures the most suitable treatment plan tailored to individual patient needs.

If you or a loved one is preparing for chemotherapy, proper preparation and medical guidance can significantly improve treatment effectiveness.