Now, let's break down the infusion treatments available for advanced stomach cancer, and how they compare to other treatment options.
Anticipated Effects of Intravenous Therapies for Stomach Cancer
This informal chat with oncologist Suneel Kamath, MD, reveals some fascinating insights about infusion treatments:
An infusion treatment is a type of medication given intravenously (IV), rather than ingested as a pill. Infusion treatments enable your cancer care team to closely manage the dose and delivery speed of the medication. These treatments find broad application in managing various cancers, with the majority of stomach cancer treatments being infusions.
Variety of Infusion Treatments
An infusion treatment doesn't represent a specific medication; infusions can include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. There are a few common infusion treatments for advanced stomach cancer, including:
- Chemotherapy - This is the most common form of infusion treatment utilized for advanced stomach cancer. Effective treatment often involves a combination of two or more chemotherapy drugs, combined with an immunotherapy medication like nivolumab.
- Immunotherapy - Immunotherapies boost the body's immune system response against cancer. They are rapidly gaining importance in the treatment of advanced stomach cancer.
- Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapies zero in on specific cancer cell vulnerabilities, minimizing harm to healthy cells. They are normally employed when cancer has progressed or resisted other treatments.
Preparing for and Understanding Infusion Treatments
Many infusion treatments must be administered within a clinical setting. Frequency of treatment depends on factors such as the aggressiveness of the cancer, your age, and overall health.
Your doctor may recommend inserting a port, a small disc internally connected to flexible tubing, to minimize the need for multiple needle sticks per session. Additionally, various medications may be given alongside cancer treatments, such as anti-nausea drugs, fluids, and side effect management medications.
It's crucial to know what to expect during and after infusion treatments. These treatments might require several minutes to several hours, depending on the medication used.
Here's some advice and guidance to ensure a smooth process:
What to Bring for Infusion Treatments
Attending your first infusion treatment for advanced stomach cancer can be overwhelming. To help alleviate anxiety and enhance comfort, consider bringing:
- Entertainment such as books, journals, music, movies, and games
- Electronics like phones, laptops, or tablets
- Headphones
- Hobbies like knitting, quilting, or drawing
- Comfortable clothes
- Water, snacks, and meals
"Most people don't experience nausea during their infusions and can eat normally," shares Dr. Kamath.
Managing Infusion Side Effects
Although some side effects may occur right after the treatment, the majority of side effects from these medications usually present 2 to 4 days after infusions are given, particularly with chemotherapy. The good news is that your cancer care team can help manage and minimize side effects through various medications.
"We've dramatically improved the way we treat the side effects of chemotherapy," says Dr. Kamath. "The nausea medications and diarrhea medications we use now can significantly enhance your comfort during treatment."
Choosing the Right Infusion Treatment
Your doctor and cancer care team will consider several factors to determine the recommended infusion treatment, taking care to help you understand the benefits and risks. So, don't hesitate to ask questions!
Advanced stomach cancer is a particularly aggressive type of cancer that doesn't always respond well to treatments, including immunotherapy. However, promising new treatments are on the horizon, with research focusing on developing more targeted therapies for stomach cancer.
"There's a lot of promise for how advanced stomach cancer will be treated in the future," concludes Dr. Kamath. "New medications and treatments for stomach cancer are being developed."
- In the management of various cancers, infusion treatments, comprising chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, are frequently employed, with a majority of stomach cancer treatments being infusions.
- Aside from medications like nivolumab, effective treatment for advanced stomach cancer often involves a combination of two or more chemotherapy drugs.
- To minimize needle sticks per session and facilitate easier medication administration, your doctor may recommend the insertion of a port, a small disc internally connected to flexible tubing.
- To ensure a smooth and comfortable infusion treatment process, consider bringing entertainment such as books, music, movies, games, or hobbies like knitting, quilting, or drawing, alongside comfortable clothes, water, snacks, and meals.
