What is First Line Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy entails the administration of powerful drugs in an attempt to destroy cancer. First line chemotherapy, also known as standard therapy, offers the most favorable means of treating cancer. It remains the first line of treatment, and the strongest option available to combat cancer. Not all cancers require chemotherapy as a first line of treatment--it depends on the type of cancer and its severity. If first line chemotherapy fails, as the cancer metastasizes and accelerates in strength, cancer victims require additional types of treatment to counteract more advanced stages.

Significance

• In essence, first line chemotherapy offers the greatest chance of survival. It provides an opportunity to defeat the cancer during its inception, or preliminary phase of development, before escalating in severity. If first line chemotherapy fails, a patient must then attempt more aggressive methods of treatment to fight the cancer. Subsequent treatment remains a last resort, used only in the event that first line treatment fails.

Variations

• Since cancer forms in variations, which range with severity, the type of first line chemotherapy treatment administered usually depends on cancer variation and strength. Therefore, it remains imperative for cancer patients to find the most pertinent treatment, suitably tailored toward their own individual needs. Always consult a qualified cancer specialist to determine proper treatment.

Types

• Types of first line chemotherapy treatment vary depending on the cancer type and its severity. For example, in September of 2006 the Food & Drug Administration, or FDA, sanctioned Rituxan, a double supplemental first line treatment application to combat CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. For ovarian cancer, first line chemotherapy incorporates various drug treatment options, including, “Platinol, Paraplatin, Taxol, Alkeran, and Adriamycin Rubex” also available in generic alternatives, according to HealthCommunities.com. Conversely, medical specialists currently consider Alitma/Cisplatin “most effective” in treating mesothelioma, a cancer that grows within the lining of lungs, for nonsurgery patients, states Mesothelioma Web.

Treatment

• Treatment Intensity depends directly on the cancer and degree of severity. Treatment schedules vary significantly, which also corresponds with the cancer condition and individual results. Frequency and duration of treatment often rely on the following information, provided by WebMD:

  The cancer condition and extent of advancement during treatment. The goals of treatment, which may also vary based on cancer condition and stage severity--whether treatment serves to cure cancer, mitigate its development, or suppress symptoms. The type of chemotherapy. How the body reacts to chemotherapy.

Warning

• These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat anyone. Always consult a qualified physician before following any medical advice to determine your specific condition and individual needs. Remember to always exercise a reasonable degree of prudence. Never take any suggestions advocated at face value. Neither Demand Studios nor its writers herein assume any responsibility for impetuous decisions or acts omitted or committed as a result of this article. Reader discretion is advised.