What is a chemotherapy regimen?
A chemotherapy (chemo) regimen consists of anti-cancer medicines you receive over a set period of time (over several cycles). Chemo regimens, such as R-CHOP, are often abbreviated by using the first letter of the drug names. For example, R-CHOP is an abbreviation for a 5-drug chemotherapy regimen used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
The R-CHOP regimen consists of:
- Rituximab
- Cyclophosphamide
- Hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin)
- Oncovin (vincristine)
- Prednisone
An induction regimen (or induction therapy) is the first cancer treatment you receive, and may involve chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. It may also be called first-line therapy, primary therapy, and primary treatment.
A maintenance regimen (or maintenance therapy) is the ongoing treatment given to help the cancer from coming back after your first therapy. You may receive this regimen for a longer period of time, and it can include drugs, vaccines or antibodies.
Chemotherapy kills or slows the growth of the primary tumor and other cancer cells that may have spread in the body (metastasized). Many chemotherapy drugs are combined because they kill cancer cells in different ways and may be more effective. Chemotherapy drugs reach almost all areas of the body.
You may receive your chemotherapy as an intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein at a clinic, the hospital or at home. When given at an infusion clinic, you typically go home the same day, but you may need to spend several hours at the clinic for the treatment and lab work. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will tell you how long you need to stay at the clinic each time.
Your cancer regimen may also involve taking oral drug treatments (pills) or regular injections under your skin or into your muscle. Your doctor may adjust your regimens over time based on how you respond.
Treatment is specific for each patient and depends on factors such as the stage of cancer at diagnosis, previous treatments and how well you have tolerated other treatments.
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What is a chemotherapy cycle?
A chemotherapy cycle is the time from when you receive your cancer treatment until the end of a rest period with no treatment. The time between your first day of chemotherapy and your last rest day is one cycle. The rest period allows your body to recuperate from some side effects of the anti-cancer medicine. The cycle is repeated on a regular schedule. The first day you receive the chemotherapy is Day 1 of the treatment cycle.
For example, with the R-CHOP regimen, a cycle is commonly given every 21 days for 6 cycles, meaning this regimen is given over several months. Different regimens will have a different numbers of cycles and length.
To learn more, join the Drugs.com Chemotherapy Support Group to keep up with FAQs on cancer treatment, read the latest news, and to get and give help to a like-minded community.
Common chemotherapy regimens
Want to learn more about specific chemotherapy regimens? Click below to explore how each regimen works, which cancers it treats, and what to expect:
Blood cancers / lymphomas
- EPOCH / R-EPOCH → Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas
- CHOP / R-CHOP → B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas
- ABVD → Hodgkin lymphoma
Gastrointestinal cancers
- FOLFOX → Colorectal cancer
- FOLFIRI → Metastatic colorectal / GI cancers
- FOLFIRINOX → Pancreatic cancer
- FLOT → Gastric and gastroesophageal cancers
- CAPOX (XELOX) → Colorectal / GI cancers
Breast cancers
- TC Regimen → HER2-negative breast cancer
- TCHP → HER2-positive breast cancer
References
- How Is Chemotherapy Used to Treat Cancer? American Cancer Society. Accessed Oct. 29, 2021 at https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/how-is-chemotherapy-used-to-treat-cancer.html
- Chemotherapy Guide. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. 1/2020. Accessed Oct. 29, 2021 at https://www.mdanderson.org/content/dam/mdanderson/documents/patients-and-family/becoming-our-patient/while-youre-here/pe-booklets/chemotherapy/Chemotherapy-Guide.pdf
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After finishing chemotherapy, some may notice fine, soft hair appearing as early as 3 to 6 weeks after treatment ends. It can take several months for your hair to return to its previous length and thickness, and there may be temporary changes in texture or color.
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Chemo side effects: What should I expect and how to cope?
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to kill fast-growing cancer cells in your body. While chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer, it can also damage healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in your hair follicles, digestive tract, and bone marrow. This widespread effect on healthy tissue is what causes the various side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment.
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Chemotherapy treats cancer throughout the body, while radiation targets specific areas. Each approach has unique benefits depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as your overall health.
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Drug information
- Doxorubicin (8 reviews)
- Rituximab (176 reviews)
- Cyclophosphamide (12 reviews)
- Vincristine (4 reviews)
- Oncovin
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