Chemotherapy has been proven highly effective in the treatment of many types of cancer, and is the most common form of cancer treatment. At Astera, our experienced oncologists help you face cancer with purpose and hope, using the most advanced protocols and medications to achieve the best possible outcomes for you or your loved one.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves using chemical compounds, or medicines, that have a specific toxic effect on selectively targeted cancer cells. It can be used to treat cancer by administering individual anti-cancer drugs or by combining different compounds. These medications can be delivered by:
Infusion into a vein
Injection into a body cavity
Oral Ingestion (pills)
How Chemotherapy Works
Chemotherapy works by repeatedly harming cancer cells, with breaks in treatment to allow healthy tissues time to recover. Cancer cells are not able to repair themselves like normal cells do, and are eventually destroyed. Chemotherapy drugs circulate through the blood to areas where cancer cells may have spread to attack and destroy cancer in areas of the body distant from where it originated.
Astera Helps Reduce and Manage Side Effects
While normal cells are better at recovery than cancer cells, they’re still exposed to the toxic effects of the chemotherapy medications being used. The resulting side effects may include:
Low counts of white and red blood cells
Low platelet counts
Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Fatigue
These side effects may sound scary, but we’ve made advancements to more effectively control them. Many patients in chemotherapy treatment are still able to work, travel, and live enjoyable, productive lives.
We stay up to date on the latest developments, including new medications and protocols that reduce toxicity and minimize side effects. And if you do experience side effects during treatment, we’re here to help you manage them with advanced protocols and personalized patient support.
Trust Astera for Advanced, Effective Chemotherapy
We offer the complete range of modern chemotherapy services, including immunotherapy, which fights cancer by chemically inducing the body’s immune system to attack the disease. We also use targeted, individualized therapies to meet your specific needs. What’s more, Astera’s commitment to participating in clinical trials offers new hope for patients whose cancer hasn’t responded to existing chemotherapy drugs.
To learn more about how Astera combines expertise and compassion for excellence in chemotherapy, or to schedule an appointment, call 732-390-7750. Or you can request an appointment using our easy online form.
