Chemotherapy Protocol

A diagnosis of cancer, is quite literally the fight of a patient's life. For many this diagnosis raises a variety of questions on which course of treatment is the most effective and what chances of survival exist. A chemotherapy protocol, when properly compiled by an oncologist in working with a cancer treatment team, comprehensively informs a patient of his treatment, the cycles each dosing will go through, and what medications he has to take along with any applicable side effects.

Pathology

• A patient's chemotherapy protocol should identify the specific course of treatment that has been prescribed to effectively fight the growth of cancerous cells. This should include the type of cancer that occurred in the patient, its location and the cancer's stage of development. Pathology should also include literature that shows relevant medical practices where the given course of treatment was prescribed and include conditions under which it should never be used.

Prescription Drugs

• The report should contain a clear description of the prescription drugs that the patient will take as a part of her cancer treatment. This should include the names (generic and brand), dosage, method of administration (orally, by injection, etc.) and frequency of use along with the potential side effects of each drug to be taken.

Cycles of Treatment

• This portion of a patient's chemotherapy protocol pertains to the intervals between specific forms of cancer treatment. The patient is able to see how long each course of his treatment runs, what areas the treatment target and whether doses of certain drugs will increase or decrease over time. Toxicity of the medications should also be addressed in this section so the patient can be properly informed of what to expect physically as his treatment progresses.

Benefits

• The greatest benefit of the chemotherapy protocol is the information to the patient. A properly informed patient is able to stay proactive and upbeat about her cancer treatment as well as to feel fully integrated into the process without feeling disconnected from her treatment team.

Side Effects

• Chemotherapy takes a significant toll on the human body. Aside from the outward physical signs of weight and hair loss, patients can experience a myriad of side effects including constant nausea, reduction in the production of red and white blood cells making fighting infection difficult, loss of strength and stamina, even insomnia and flatulence. A properly filled-out chemotherapy protocol can prepare a patient to face these conditions with confidence and resilience in what for many is the most difficult period of life.