Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy consists of the administration of a combination of drugs which specifically act on the cells forming the tumour to reduce its size or eliminate it completely to prevent it from coming back. Although it is usually given after surgery, in some cases, it is administered before the operation to reduce the size of the tumour and make it possible to perform conservative surgery.

It is given intravenously on an outpatient basis at the Instituto Oncológico Teknon Day Hospital. Depending on the patient, it may be given weekly, fortnightly, etc. For patients who require a long course of treatment or treatment in repeated cycles, a port-a-cath is inserted. This is a device placed under the skin which enables permanent access to the vascular system so the patient does not have to be jabbed at each session.