

Chemotherapy
Inspira’s board-certified and fellowship-trained medical oncologists provide advanced expertise in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy, commonly referred to as chemo, is the use of chemical compounds (drugs) that kill cancer cells used to treat cancer.
How Chemotherapy Works
Chemotherapy is a traditional form of cancer treatment dating back to the 1950s; since then, these medications have been tested and used many times. There are many types of chemo: drugs, some intravenous, others are pills, and your doctor will determine which drugs to administer based on the type, stage and severity of your cancer, as well as your overall health and ability to tolerate these medications. At times, genetic testing can be used to determine the best drug option or overall treatment option for you.
In some cases, chemotherapy is the only method of treatment needed to keep cancer from spreading, slow cancer growth, shrink tumors or cure cancer. Oftentimes chemo is used in conjunction with other therapies such as surgery or procedures such as radiation therapy.
If you’d like more information about your or a loved one’s cancer care, or to receive a second opinion about a diagnosis, our team is here to help.
How Chemotherapy is Administered
Depending on your specific cancer, your chemotherapy treatments may be given in the following ways:
- As an oral pill or liquid
- As an injection directly into the muscle or tissue
- Directly into the bloodstream (intravenously or IV)
- Directly into a body cavity, such as the stomach (intracavity chemo)
- Into your spinal canal
- Directly into the bladder (intravesical)
- Into a main artery that "feeds" the tumor (intra-arterial)
- Through a needle into the tumor (intralesional)
- Applied topically (on the skin)
Chemo is commonly administered in cycles to give the body a chance to rest and recover. These chemo cycles may be given daily, weekly, every few weeks, or monthly. Since it is hard to predict how you will feel after chemo, it is important to have someone accompany you so they can help you get home safely. If you do not have a support person, your Inspira cancer coordinator, social work and other team members can help connect you with needed services.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
While chemotherapy can be quite effective in treating certain cancers, chemotherapy drugs reach and impact all parts of the body, not just the cancer cells. Because of this, there can be many side effects during treatment. The use of newer and more targeted medications as well as the availability of supportive medications can sometimes lessen symptoms. Your care team at Inspira will work to proactively manage any side effects of treatment. Being able to anticipate these side effects can help you and your caregivers prepare and, in some cases, prevent these symptoms from occurring.
The most common side effects of chemotherapy can include, but are not limited to:
- Extreme fatigue
- Increased risk for infection
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Mouth and throat sores
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Skin and nail changes
- Nerve damage
- No desire to eat
- Weight gain or loss
- Changes in your memory or thinking
Many of these side effects can be prevented or managed with treatment, and most will subside after treatment ends.
Why Choose Inspira for Chemotherapy
We combine cutting-edge medical technology with a human touch, allowing us to provide expert care. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained oncology physicians are well-versed in the latest cancer treatments and are equipped with advanced technologies that can increase your chances for a successful recovery. We also understand that navigating the ups and downs of life with cancer can be overwhelming, which is why we provide a built-in support system of social workers, counselors, coordinators and registered dieticians so you and your family don’t have to walk the path to recovery alone.
Inspira’s oncology physicians take a multi-faceted approach to detecting, diagnosing and treating cancer by looking at your condition from a holistic perspective. Whether you’re just beginning treatment or are a cancer-free survivor, we take everything—genetics, lifestyle habits and other risk factors—into account when designing your care plan. By treating the whole person rather than just the disease itself, we’re able to offer a more targeted, personalized experience.
Inspira participates in clinical trials to explore new ways to prevent, detect or treat cancer. Clinical trials can also focus on other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with cancer. Participants help others and may also benefit from receiving the newest treatment along with additional care and attention from the clinical trial staff.
Residents of South Jersey need not travel far to get the best in cancer care—with cancer centers in the region, Inspira delivers a full breadth of cancer services close to where you live. When you’re not distracted by a long commute to your medical provider, you have more energy to focus on what’s important: healing and getting your life back.
Inspira Cancer Centers
Cancer care and services are offered at several of our convenient medical center locations.
Leading-Edge Cancer Center at Mullica Hill
698 Mullica Hill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062Hospital Hours
Open
Sunday - Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Phone: 1-800-INSPIRA
Inspira is proud to take part in research and clinical trials for cutting-edge cancer care. If you are interested in learning more, review our current trials or contact an Inspira oncologist.
Inspira Health is proud to offer a variety of support groups and resources for cancer patients and their loved ones.
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