What is induction therapy?
Induction therapy is the first phase of cancer treatment. The term "induction therapy" is also sometimes used to reference to the treatment of other conditions depending on the settings. Induction therapy is also known as primary or first line therapy to reduce the number of cancer cells and make cancer vulnerable to further treatment. This treatment is designed and under the supervision of an oncologist, cancer specialist, in conjunction with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, and after consultation with the patient. This information determines which treatment is appropriate and will be used to design the treatment regimen adapted to the patient's case. Induction therapy may include a number of treatment methods and applications and dosages are determined by weighing factors involved in the patient case.
Sometimes high doses of drugs are given to quickly set off cancer cells. Other patients may have low doses, followed by higher doses. Progress of induction therapy will be monitored by further testing. If cancer does not respond toTreatment can continue with other treatment options. If so, doctors can find out whether they react in time.
During induction therapy, patients may experience a number of side effects, including nausea, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, odor sensitivity and other symptoms, depending on the drug used and dosing. Sometimes treatment is provided to alleviate side effects and increase the patient's comfort. Antinausea drugs are commonly prescribed with cancer treatment and patients can also consult with a nutritionist to deal with loss of appetite to ensure that they receive enough nutrients during treatment.
After induction therapy comes consolidation therapy, where doctors try to kill the rest of cancer cells to achieve remission. If cancer gets into remission, maintenance therapy is used to maintain cancer at bay. The success of these therapies differs from the patient to the patient and is the turntableHeard on a wide range of factors. Patients can increase their chances of good prognosis by obtaining as much information about treatment options to achieve informed decision and carefully adhere to medical orders, take medication according to instructions and be vigilant for timely warning signs of complications.