High-dose chemotherapy

High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) is referring to chemotherapy medicines which are given at larger dosages than that are usually used in normal chemotherapy regimens. This therapeutic strategy is used to treat some cancers, especially those that are aggressive or have a high chance of coming back. With increased doses of chemotherapy chemicals administered to the body, HDC seeks to optimize the death of cancer cells.

It was first explored as a potential treatment option in the field of oncology in the late 1970s. Significant progress has been achieved in the understanding of the best dosage, combinations of drugs, and supportive care methods related to HDC over time. Some of the hazards and side effects that were formerly linked to larger dosages of chemotherapy medications have been lessened thanks to these improvements. Severe suppression of the bone marrow, heightened vulnerability to infections, gastrointestinal toxicity, and more systemic problems were among the possible side effects.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT), which involves the collection and storage of a patient's own stem cells prior to the administration of HDC, plays a vital role in the treatment process. Once the chemotherapy is completed, the stored stem cells are infused back into the patient's body. This procedure helps to restore the bone marrow and support the recovery of blood cells. ASCT has allowed for the administration of HDC, with improvements in supportive care reducing associated morbidity and mortality.^[1]^[2]

^ Nieto, Yago; Shpall, Elizabeth J. (2000). "High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer". In Gradishar, William J.; Wood, William C. (eds.). Advances in Breast Cancer Management. Vol. 103. Springer. pp. 77–114. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-3147-7_5. ISBN 978-1-4757-3147-7. PMID 10948443.
^ Nieto, Yago; Shpall, Elizabeth J. (2004). "Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Breast Cancer". In Soiffer, Robert J. (ed.). Stem Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies. Humana Press. pp. 99–132. doi:10.1007/978-1-59259-733-8_5. ISBN 978-1-59259-733-8.

[1] Nieto, Yago; Shpall, Elizabeth J. (2000). "High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer". In Gradishar, William J.; Wood, William C. (eds.). Advances in Breast Cancer Management. Vol. 103. Springer. pp. 77–114. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-3147-7_5. ISBN 978-1-4757-3147-7. PMID 10948443.

[2] Nieto, Yago; Shpall, Elizabeth J. (2004). "Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Breast Cancer". In Soiffer, Robert J. (ed.). Stem Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies. Humana Press. pp. 99–132. doi:10.1007/978-1-59259-733-8_5. ISBN 978-1-59259-733-8.

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