01 · OVERVIEW
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses medicines that destroy cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Because these medicines travel through the bloodstream, they can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body. This is why chemotherapy is used both for cancer that has spread and to clear cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
Chemotherapy is often combined with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. As a medical oncologist in Jaipur, Dr. Jain decides whether chemotherapy is needed, which medicines to use and how often, based on your cancer type, stage and overall health.
02 · PROTOCOLS
Types of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is given for different goals at different stages of cancer treatment:
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Given before surgery to shrink a tumour, making it easier and safer to remove surgically.
Adjuvant chemotherapy
Given after surgery to eliminate any microscopic residual cells and lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
Primary (curative) chemotherapy
The main primary treatment protocol, particularly vital in leukaemias, lymphomas, and germ cell tumours.
Palliative chemotherapy
Controls advanced metastatic cancer, relieves distressing symptoms, and enhances overall quality of life.
03 · CANDIDACY
Who Needs Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy treatment in Jaipur may be recommended when:
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The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease).
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A tumour needs to be shrunk before surgery to allow breast conservation or organ preservation.
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There is a risk of cancer cells remaining or returning after surgical removal.
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The cancer is a blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
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It is given concurrently with radiation (chemoradiation) to make radiation more effective, as in head and neck or cervical cancers.
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Surgery is not safe or technically possible.
Please Note: Not every cancer needs chemotherapy. Some early cancers are treated with surgery alone, and some respond better to targeted therapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy based on genomic testing.
04 · PREPARATION
Tests Before Chemotherapy
Before starting, Dr. Jain confirms the diagnosis and checks that your body is fully ready for treatment:
Biopsy & pathology
Confirms the exact cancer cell type, grade, and special immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains.
Imaging scans
CT, PET-CT or MRI scans to map the exact size and extent of cancer spread.
Blood tests
Complete blood count (CBC), liver function (LFT), and kidney function (KFT) tests.
Heart check (ECHO)
An echocardiogram before specific medicines (such as anthracyclines) that can affect heart function.
Fitness assessment
Overall performance status evaluation to select the safest and most effective drug dose.
Chemo Port / PICC line
A discreet vascular device placed under the skin for painless, easy IV access when multiple cycles are planned.
05 · PATIENT CARE
Side Effects of Chemotherapy and How We Manage Them
Chemotherapy also affects some fast-growing healthy cells, which causes side effects. Not everyone gets all of them, and most side effects are temporary and completely manageable with modern supportive medicines.
| Side Effect |
How It Is Managed |
| Tiredness / Fatigue |
Adequate rest, mild light activity, and regular monitoring for anaemia. |
| Nausea and vomiting |
Highly effective preventive anti-emetic medications given before and after each cycle. |
| Hair loss |
Occurs with select medicines only; hair regrows naturally a few weeks after treatment ends. |
| Low white blood cells (infection risk) |
Blood counts monitored before each cycle; G-CSF growth-factor injections given if needed. |
| Anaemia |
Routine blood count tracking; iron supplements or blood transfusion when indicated. |
| Low platelets (bleeding risk) |
Regular platelet checks; cycle timing or dosage adjusted proactively if counts drop. |
| Mouth sores (mucositis) |
Proactive mouth care routine, ice chips during infusion, and antiseptic/anaesthetic rinses. |
| Diarrhoea or constipation |
Targeted dietary adjustments, hydration therapy, and specific gastrointestinal medicines. |
| Loss of appetite |
Small, frequent calorie-dense meals and personalized clinical nutritional guidance. |
| Tingling in hands or feet (neuropathy) |
Monitored with neuro-protective care; medication dose is promptly tailored if symptoms appear. |
Call us immediately, or reach the nearest emergency department, if you notice any of these warning signs:
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
• Bleeding or unusual bruising
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea that does not stop
• Unable to keep oral fluids down
• Sudden breathlessness or chest pain
• Severe weakness, dizziness or confusion
• Pain, swelling or redness at the drip / port site
06 · FINANCIAL CLARITY
Chemotherapy Cost in Jaipur
There is no single fixed price for cancer chemotherapy. The total cost varies depending on individual clinical factors:
Type & stage of cancer
Determines standard protocol and duration of therapy.
Medicines used
Standard cytotoxics vs advanced targeted or immunotherapy combinations.
Number of cycles
Planned based on tumour response and treatment intent (typically 4 to 8 cycles).
Day care vs admission
Most treatments are cost-effective day care sessions without room rent.
Supportive care
Routine lab checks, anti-emetics, and growth factors.
Insurance coverage
Cashless mediclaim, TPA approvals, and accepted healthcare schemes.
Transparent Guidance: After your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Rishabh Jain, our team provides a clear, itemized cost estimate tailored to your medical needs, budget, and insurance coverage.
