For a long time now, chemotherapy has been the go-to treatment for cancer patients. However, recent research has brought to light some devastating news that chemotherapy could actually worsen cancer metastasis.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, commonly known as ‘chemo,’ is a type of cancer treatment that involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs can be taken orally or injected, and they target fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer cells.

The aim of chemotherapy is to shrink tumors, destroy cancer cells, and prevent cancer from spreading.

What is cancer metastasis?

Cancer metastasis is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. When cancer metastasizes, it is much harder to treat, and the chances of recovery are lowered.

The study

A study conducted by a team of scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has found that chemotherapy may actually contribute to the spread of cancer cells.

The study, which was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, involved testing the effects of chemotherapy on breast cancer cells in mice.

The scientists discovered that chemotherapy could trigger the release of tiny, cell-like structures called exosomes. These exosomes, in turn, could help cancer cells to strengthen and spread to other parts of the body, worsening the cancer metastasis.

Chemotherapy and cancer

While chemotherapy can be effective at killing cancer cells, it can also harm healthy cells in the body, which can lead to side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and an increased risk of infections.

Additionally, the drugs used in chemotherapy are toxic and can damage healthy organs like the liver, kidneys and heart.

The new study has brought to light another worrying fact about chemotherapy – that it could actually contribute to making cancer worse.

This could mean that patients who undergo chemotherapy may be increasing their risk of developing more aggressive cancers that are more difficult to treat.

What are the alternative cancer treatments?

Given the potential risks of chemotherapy, many cancer patients are now exploring other treatment options, including natural therapies. Some of the most popular alternative cancer treatments include:.

Herbal remedies: Certain herbs, such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger, have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These herbs can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin.
Dietary changes: Certain dietary changes, such as avoiding processed foods, reducing sugar intake, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, can help to support the body’s immune system and fight cancer.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to help reduce pain, fatigue, and nausea associated with cancer treatments.
Meditation: Meditation is a mindfulness practice that can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be particularly beneficial for cancer patients who are dealing with emotional distress and mental health issues.

Conclusion

The results of this study about the potential adverse effects of chemotherapy are alarming. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between chemotherapy and cancer metastasis.

In the meantime, patients who are considering chemotherapy should weigh the potential benefits against the risks and explore other treatment options if they are uncomfortable with the potential side effects.