What is CHOP chemotherapy

Few people are aware of the fact that there are many different types of chemotherapy, until they have to learn about it. You may be wondering why this is. Well, to put it simply, different types of cancers respond better to some chemotherapy drugs than others. The multiple types of chemotherapy are to help increase survival rates in cancer sufferers.

What is CHOP Chemotherapy?

The term CHOP refers to the types of chemotherapy drugs that are used with this type of treatment. The first three drugs – Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Vincristine – are generally given at the same time. The Adriamycin and Vincristine are given through an IV. The Cyclophosphamide is also usually given through an IV but it can be given in a pill form. The fourth drug in CHOP chemotherapy, Prednisolone, is given in the form of a pill. This is taken for five days at home. CHOP chemotherapy generally goes through 6 to 8 cycles, which are repeated every four weeks. CHOP therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with Rituximab.

What is CHOP Chemotherapy Used For?

CHOP chemotherapy is most commonly used to treat lymphoma that is not Hodgkin’s disease related. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that specifically affects the white blood cells. It can range from indolent to aggressive. More severe cases of lymphoma may require other types of treatment like radiation, stem cell transplantation, monoclonal antibodies, or immunotherapy. Your doctor can advise you about the severity of your condition and whether or not any of these other types of treatment will be necessary.

CHOP Chemotherapy Side Effects

All types of chemotherapy come with side effects. The most commonly experienced side effects include vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea drugs to help reduce chemotherapy induced nausea. You should also rest as much as possible while undergoing CHOP therapy. This will help you while you are receiving treatment.

Peripheral neuropathy can develop while receiving CHOP chemotherapy. This is a condition in which the feet and hands can tingle or burn. Sensitivity to pressure can occur and you can even experience difficulty when walking. Symptoms of this condition may decrease over time and may even eventually discontinue completely.

More long term side effects have also been noted with CHOP chemotherapy. CHOP therapy leaves you at a high risk for permanent sterility. You will also be at an elevated risk for developing other types of cancer, particularly cancer of the brain, lungs, kidneys, bladder, and melanoma cancer. CHOP increases your risk for developing acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease. Some survivors have also experienced a higher risk of left ventricular dysfunction.

While receiving treatment, you may experience cold chills. Let the nurse know if this happens. They should be able to find you a blanket. You may also experience urine discoloration after treatment. This is common because of the drug Adriamycin. Constipation is also common. Stoll softeners can help remedy this issue but you should talk to your doctor first. If you should happen to experience any burning or red streaks while chemotherapy drugs are being administered, you should notify the nurse immediately.

Things You Should Discuss With Your Doctor

Before you receive CHOP chemotherapy, you should talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamin supplements, and birth control. You should try and avoid getting pregnant while receiving CHOP chemotherapy and should discuss with your doctor immediately if you suspect you could be pregnant at any time during your treatment.

Because individuals with certain health conditions or family history of certain health conditions run a greater risk of certain side effects, you should discuss your health and family history with your doctor before going forward with CHOP chemotherapy. This is especially true if you or anyone in your family have a history of heart conditions. You should also notify your doctor if you smoke since this could increase your risk for certain side effects as well.

Because CHOP chemotherapy can cause permanent sterility, you should talk to your doctor if you want to start a family someday. You may be able to freeze or store your eggs or sperm so that you can safely have a child of your own after the treatment is completed.

Taking Care of Yourself During CHOP Chemotherapy

It is important that you slow down and take care of yourself as you receive treatment. This will help you stay as healthy as possible, decreasing any health risks that can occur during CHOP chemotherapy. Drink more water than usual and avoid overexertion. Pain can become extensive at times during chemotherapy and you may want to take something to help you feel better. However, it is important that you talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter pain medication. Some of these medications can thin your blood and are not recommended for pain relief during your chemotherapy treatments.