SIR GANGA RAM HOSPITAL

Old Rajinder Nagar, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110060

Call Us on.

+91 9315125514‬ +91 78386 82838‬

Mail Us

Dradityasarin@gmail.com

Chemotherapy | Dr. Aditya Sarin
Cancer Treatment · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Understanding Chemotherapy
Your Complete Guide.

A comprehensive overview of chemotherapy — what it is, how it works, and what to expect — explained clearly by Dr. Aditya Sarin so you can approach your treatment with confidence.

100+
Types of cancer
treated with chemo
Simple Overview
How Chemotherapy Works
1

Targets Cells

Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells at different stages of their life cycle.

2

Destroys Cancer

The drugs damage or destroy cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading.

3

Planned Cycles

Treatment is given in scheduled cycles with rest periods to allow your body to recover.

4

Monitored Progress

Regular blood tests and scans track effectiveness and guide adjustments to your plan.

Section 01

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, stop their growth, or prevent them from spreading. It is one of the most widely used treatments for cancer and works by targeting rapidly dividing cells — the defining characteristic of cancer.

Chemotherapy may be used on its own or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the cancer type, stage, and the patient's overall health.

Destroys Cancer Cells

Attacks cancer cells at different stages of their growth cycle to prevent multiplication.

Prevents Spreading

Stops cancer from metastasizing to other parts of the body by destroying circulating cancer cells.

Shrinks Tumors

Reduces tumor size before surgery or radiation therapy to improve treatment outcomes.

Prevents Recurrence

Eliminates remaining cancer cells after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Section 02

Types of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The type of chemotherapy recommended depends on the cancer type, stage, and the goals of treatment — whether curative, preventive, or palliative.

Curative

Curative Chemotherapy

Aims to completely eliminate cancer from the body. Used when there is a realistic possibility of achieving full remission.

Adjuvant

Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Given after surgery or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Neoadjuvant

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Administered before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove and potentially enabling less invasive surgery.

Palliative

Palliative Chemotherapy

Focuses on relieving symptoms, slowing cancer progression, and improving quality of life in advanced cancer cases.

Section 03

How is Chemotherapy Given?

Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways depending on the type of cancer, the drugs used, and what is most appropriate for the patient. Dr. Aditya Sarin will determine the best method for your specific case.

IV
Intravenous (IV) Infusion The most common method — drugs are delivered directly through a vein, usually at a hospital or infusion centre.
OR
Oral Chemotherapy Chemotherapy in the form of pills or capsules taken at home, on a prescribed schedule.
INJ
Injection Directly into muscles, veins, or under the skin — often used for specific drug formulations.
IT
Intrathecal Chemotherapy Delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid — used for cancers affecting the brain or spinal cord.
TP
Topical Chemotherapy Applied as a cream directly to the skin — used for certain superficial skin cancers.
Section 04

What to Expect During Chemotherapy

Knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared and in control throughout your treatment. Here is a step-by-step overview of the typical chemotherapy journey.

Personalised Treatment Plan

A detailed plan is created based on your cancer type, stage, overall health, and treatment goals — tailored specifically to you.

Scheduled Treatment Cycles

Sessions may occur daily, weekly, or monthly, with planned rest periods in between cycles to allow your body to recover.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular blood tests and scans are performed throughout treatment to assess how well the chemotherapy is working and adjust if needed.

Side Effect Management

Side effects are carefully managed with medications, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle adjustments to maintain your quality of life.

Section 05

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Because chemotherapy affects both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells, it can cause side effects. Understanding these helps you prepare and manage them effectively with your medical team.

Fatigue

Tiredness and weakness are the most common effects; rest and activity balance help.

Nausea & Vomiting

Often manageable with modern anti-nausea medications prescribed alongside treatment.

Hair Loss

Temporary hair loss is common. Hair typically regrows after treatment ends.

Loss of Appetite

Nutritional support and dietary guidance help maintain strength and body weight.

Low Blood Counts

Can increase infection risk, cause anaemia, or affect clotting. Monitored closely throughout.

Mouth Sores

Good oral hygiene and specific mouth rinses help prevent and manage this side effect.

Not everyone experiences all side effects, and their severity varies from person to person. With proper medical care and the right support, most side effects can be effectively managed.

Section 06

Recovery & Life After Chemotherapy

Completing chemotherapy is a significant milestone. Recovery is a gradual process that involves rebuilding physical strength, emotional wellbeing, and overall health — with the right support every step of the way.

Regular Follow-ups

Scheduled check-ups and scans to monitor your progress, watch for recurrence, and assess your ongoing health.

Nutritional Support

Personalised dietary guidance to help rebuild strength, manage treatment effects, and restore healthy body weight.

Exercise & Physiotherapy

Structured physical activity and physiotherapy to regain energy, muscle strength, and overall fitness.

Emotional & Psychological Support

Access to counselling, peer support groups, and mental health resources to support your emotional recovery.

Section 07

Facing Chemotherapy with Confidence

"The best outcomes in cancer care come when patients are fully informed, well-supported, and actively involved in their treatment journey."

— Dr. Aditya Sarin, Medical Oncologist
Modern chemotherapy is far more targeted and better tolerated than it was a decade ago.
Personalised treatment plans ensure you receive exactly what your cancer requires.
Side effects can be proactively managed — you don't have to simply endure them.
A multidisciplinary team works together to support every aspect of your care.
Understanding your treatment gives you agency and confidence throughout the process.
Section 08 · Why Dr. Aditya Sarin

Why Trust Dr. Aditya Sarin for Chemotherapy?

ESMO Board Certified · Harvard Trained · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Expert Oncologist

ESMO Board Certified with advanced training in precision oncology, immuno-oncology, and cancer genomics from Harvard Medical School.

Advanced Treatment Protocols

Access to the latest chemotherapy drugs, personalised protocols, and cutting-edge treatment options tailored to your specific cancer.

Multidisciplinary Care

A comprehensive team approach integrating chemotherapy with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, and holistic patient support.

Compassionate Support

Holistic patient care including nutritional guidance, pain management, emotional counselling, and dedicated support throughout your journey.

Mon – Sat (Morning) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mon – Sat (Evening) 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Schedule Your Chemotherapy Consultation

"Because knowledge and the right specialist make all the difference."

Speak with Dr. Aditya Sarin to understand your chemotherapy options, plan your treatment, and take the first step toward the best possible outcome.

📅 Book Your Consultation