Chemotherapy in Cuauhtémoc, without traveling to the capital

How it works

Cancer cells divide faster than most healthy cells. Chemotherapy medicines take advantage of that trait: they attack cells that are dividing. This also explains their side effects, because some healthy cells in the body — those of the hair, mouth, gut, and bone marrow — divide quickly too and are temporarily affected.

Chemotherapy can be used with different goals: to shrink a tumor before surgery (neoadjuvant), to eliminate cells that might remain after surgery (adjuvant), to control the disease, or to relieve symptoms. The medical oncologist defines the plan — which medicines, at what doses, and for how long — based on the type of cancer, its stage, and each patient's overall health.

Sources: NCI, "Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer": https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/tratamiento/tipos/quimioterapia · American Cancer Society, "How Chemotherapy Drugs Work": https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/como-sobrellevar-el-cancer/tipos-de-tratamiento/quimioterapia/como-funcionan-los-medicamentos-de-quimioterapia.html

Which types of cancer it is usually used for

• It is one of the most widely used treatments in oncology; it is used in most types of cancer, alone or combined with surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies.
• Common examples: breast cancer, gynecologic cancers (ovary, endometrium, cervix), colon and rectal cancer, stomach, lung, lymphomas.
• At the unit, chemotherapy is given only as prescribed and supervised by the medical oncologist, with treatment plans tailored to each patient.

What receiving this treatment at the unit is like

• How it is given: most often intravenously (through an IV drip, into an arm vein or through a catheter/port); some medicines come as pills.
• Session length: from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the plan. The team explains the estimated length starting at your first visit.
• How often: it is given in cycles (for example, every 7, 14, or 21 days), with rest periods so the body can recover. A full course usually takes several months.
• Before each session: blood tests are usually done to confirm the body is ready for the next cycle.
• (See the cross-cutting section "What to bring to a chemotherapy session" at the end of this dossier.)

Common side effects and how we help you through them

• Tiredness (fatigue), nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite and taste, constipation or diarrhea, a higher risk of infection, anemia, and easy bruising.
• Not everyone has the same effects: they depend on the medicine, the dose, and each person's body. Most are temporary, and today there are very effective supportive medicines (for example, against nausea) that are prescribed before the session even starts.
• The unit's team follows up at every cycle, adjusts symptom management, and explains which warning signs call for contacting us right away (fever, bleeding, uncontrollable vomiting).
• Source: ACS, "Chemotherapy Side Effects": https://cancer.org/es/tratamiento/tratamientos-y-efectos-secundarios/tipos-de-tratamiento/quimioterapia/que-es-la-quimioterapia-y-como-ayuda/efectos-secundarios-de-la-quimioterapia.html · NCI, "Chemotherapy and You" guide: https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/quimioterapia-y-usted.pdf

Frequently asked questions

Does chemotherapy hurt? The infusion itself normally does not hurt; it feels like any IV drip. There may be some discomfort when the needle is placed. If you feel burning or pain at the needle site during your session, tell the staff right away.

Will I lose my hair? It depends on the medicine: some regimens cause hair loss and others do not. When it happens, the hair grows back once treatment ends. Your oncologist will tell you from the start what to expect with your plan.

Can I go on with my normal life during chemotherapy? Many people keep up a good part of their activities, with adjustments on the days around each session. Every case is different: your oncologist will guide you on work, exercise, and self-care. Come in for an evaluation to learn about your plan.

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