Chemotherapy

Each year, up to 1 million Americans undergo chemotherapy for cancer. At South Brooklyn Care in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Elvira Neculiseanu, MD, and Aleksandre Toreli, MD, offer several types of chemotherapy, including intravenous (IV) chemo and oral chemo. Call the office today to request a chemotherapy consultation or book your appointment online.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment. It uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells, preventing them from spreading throughout your body.

Chemotherapy can’t be prescribed by just any doctor. It requires special training and the guidance of a qualified medical oncologist.

What are the types of chemotherapy?

At South Brooklyn Care, the team offers several types of chemotherapy, including:

Adjuvant therapy

Adjuvant chemotherapy destroys cancer cells after radiation therapy or surgery.

Curative therapy

Curative chemotherapy destroys the cancer cells and prevents them from returning.

Neoadjuvant therapy

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy tries to shrink a tumor before surgery to remove it.

Palliative therapy

Palliative chemotherapy tries to reduce uncomfortable symptoms caused by cancer. It isn’t a cure, but it can improve your quality of life.

Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or orally. After a review of your health charts, a physical exam, and lab tests, the team can make personalized treatment recommendations.

What types of cancer can chemotherapy treat?

The South Brooklyn Care team uses chemotherapy to treat both types of cancer:

Primary cancer

Primary cancer is a solid tumor (or mass) in one part of your body.

Metastatic cancer

Metastatic cancer is more than a solid tumor. It occurs when cancer spreads from its origin point to other parts of your body.

What does chemotherapy involve?

At South Brooklyn Care, the team offers intravenous (IV) and oral chemotherapy. The type of chemotherapy that’s right for you depends on where the cancer is, what stage it’s in, and your general health. Your provider develops a treatment plan that provides the most benefit with the fewest possible side effects.

How long will I need chemotherapy?

The length of time you undergo chemotherapy depends on where and how severe your cancer is. Most people need several rounds of treatment. Each round of chemo involves several weeks or months of in-office visits, followed by a recovery period. Depending on your needs, the team might recommend daily, weekly, or monthly treatments.

Does chemotherapy present side effects?

Chemotherapy drugs target all of the cells in your body, so it’s normal to experience various side effects, including:

• Anemia
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

The South Brooklyn Care team works with you to manage these side effects and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.

Call South Brooklyn Care today to see if you’re a candidate for chemotherapy, or book your appointment online.