The internationally recognized subspecialists at the OSUCCC – James believe the best way to treat patients and manage their disease successfully is to deliver the latest, most effective treatments available.
Because these renowned subspecialists understand that cancer is a complex disease, they use the most effective means of treating patients through an expert team approach that reaches across medical disciplines (radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, molecular and biological pathologists, genetic scientists and more) to design the very best treatment plan and therapies to target each patient’s specific cancer — offering improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
The OSUCCC – James team of experts also run groundbreaking studies, and, through detailed observations, evaluate the latest treatments and targeted therapies.
Also, coordinated support teams are on hand to provide additional care (also called palliative care) options such as spiritual, emotional, psychological and nutritional counseling for patients receiving chemotherapy.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like a second opinion, or if you would like to speak with a chemotherapy specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Treatment Details
The OSUCCC – James is a leader in offering some of the world’s most advanced, sophisticated treatments for cancer patients.
No cancer is routine, and the OSUCCC – James subspecialists may recommend chemotherapy based on the patient's individual needs to manage a specific cancer. Every person’s cancer is different, with individually unique genes and molecules driving that disorder.
Chemotherapy destroys the cancer cells or stops them from dividing. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle. When the drugs enter the bloodstream, they can reach cancer cells throughout the body (called systemic chemotherapy). Combination chemotherapy uses more than one anticancer drug.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles, which include the day chemotherapy is given and the time between treatments. Because chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells, the body needs time to rebuild healthy cells after each treatment.
Chemotherapy treatment usually takes place in an outpatient part of the hospital, at the doctor's office or in the home. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.
For some patients, certain medicines can cause problems if taken during chemotherapy treatment. These can include other prescription medicines, herbs, vitamins and over-the-counter remedies, so it’s important to discuss all medicines and supplements being taken with your OSUCCC – James specialists.
Chemotherapy With Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cell transplants enable patients to receive chemotherapy treatment, and then later replace blood-forming cells that have been destroyed by cancer treatment.
Stem cells, which are immature blood cells, are removed from the blood or bone marrow of either the patient or a donor, and then they are frozen and stored. After chemotherapy is completed, the stored stem cells are thawed and given back to the patient through an infusion. These reinfused stem cells grow into and restore the body's blood cells.
If a stem cell transplant is needed, the OSUCCC – James has one of the most active, sophisticated programs in the entire nation.
Other Treatment Considerations
Chemotherapy treatment can make it harder for the body to fight infections. It’s important to wash hands often and avoid being around people who are sick.
Patients should drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of noncaffeinated fluid each day throughout their treatments because they need to stay hydrated while receiving chemotherapy. If your OSUCCC – James specialists told you to limit fluids, however, check with your doctor about how much fluid you can drink.
Chemotherapy drugs can also cause nausea. Patients are given a prescription for medicine to take before chemotherapy to help prevent nausea or vomiting. Eating a number of small meals during the day may help reduce nausea, too.
Women should not get pregnant and should use a barrier method of birth control while receiving chemotherapy.
Men receiving chemotherapy should use a barrier method of birth control (condom) when having sex.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like a second opinion, or if you would like to speak with a chemotherapy specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.