Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes it is used to shrink a large testicular tumour before surgery, so that it can be removed more easily. It is also used after surgery to help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back and to treat any cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
how is it given?
Chemo is given by injection into a vein (intravenously) - this may be through a cannula, central line or a PICC line - find out more. Most people need between 2 and 4 sessions. Each session involves staying in hospital for a few days to have the treatment. This is then followed by a 3-week rest period before the next session, to allow your body to recover from any side effects of treatment. If the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, then you may need to have 4-6 sessions of chemo. In this situation the chemo may be given every week.
which drugs?
The drugs most often used to treat testicular cancer are cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin. Giving these drugs together is sometimes called a BEP.
are there any side effects?
Different chemo drugs cause different side effects. Some people just have a few side effects and others have more. It's hard to predict how it's going to be for you as everyone is different and reactions can vary from treatment to treatment.
Almost all side effects are short term and will gradually disappear once treatment stops. Most blokes will experience side effects, and the most common are hair loss, tiredness, sickness (which can be controlled) and a lowered imune system, which means you pick up infections more easily. You may also feel low in mood. If you want to know more about the regimen and side effects of chemotherapy, there is lots more information in the chemotherapy and the deal with it section.
