Introduction to Chemotherapy
Learn what chemotherapy is, how it's administered, and what to expect during the first treatment at Simmons Cancer Center.
Chemotherapy
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-4673
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center offers the latest chemotherapy for treating cancer.
We personalize chemotherapy for patients based on their cancer and overall health to increase effectiveness and minimize symptoms. We understand how stressful cancer treatment can be – that’s why our chemotherapy experts are here to support patients before, during, and after treatment.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It works by stopping the cancer cells from growing and dividing. It works by stopping the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
The goal of chemotherapy is to shrink, prevent spreading, or relieve symptoms of cancer. It can be given alone or in combination with surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles that include treatment periods and rest periods. The number of cycles depends on the patient’s diagnosis. Chemotherapy can affect healthy cells, which can result in side effects.
Types of Chemotherapy
There are more than 100 types of chemotherapy drugs, with different types used for different kinds of cancer. Our team will recommend an approach based on a patient’s specific cancer and circumstances.
Systemic chemotherapy is the most common approach. It attacks dividing cells throughout the entire body and kills cancer cells and some normal cells.
Options for systemic chemotherapy include:
- Intravenous (IV) – delivered into a vein
- Oral – taken by mouth
- Injection – given as shots into muscles or under the skin
Why Choose UT Southwestern for Chemotherapy?
At Simmons Cancer Center, we have dedicated chemotherapy experts to help guide patients through treatment. Each patient has an interdisciplinary team – including an oncologist, clinic nurse, dietitian, nurse navigator, and infusion nurse – who create a custom treatment plan and help with any symptoms patients may experience.
Our team is specially trained in the care of cancer patients. We offer convenient infusion therapy locations throughout the area that feature amenities to make treatment more comfortable for patients.
What Should Patients Expect During Chemotherapy?
Patients can receive chemotherapy at any of our four infusion centers, each staffed with supportive oncology specialists who treat patients like family:
Patients can choose the location that is most convenient for them. Please contact our care team to see whether treatment can be administered at a different location.
Our infusion centers feature private areas and semiprivate areas. Semiprivate areas are generally used for shorter infusions. All areas feature reclining chairs, free Wi-Fi, and smart TVs.
What to bring
Patients can bring one guest with them. During the first infusion, we encourage patients to have a driver with them. At follow-up sessions, a driver may not be needed, depending on how the patient responds to treatment. Please check with your care team.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Some medications administered to prevent side effects may cause patients to feel weak. Infusion staff members may ask that patients be assisted while moving or encourage the use of a wheelchair.
We encourage patients to bring materials to help pass the time comfortably, such as:
- Blankets
- Books
- Snacks
- Tablet or laptop
What to expect during a visit
The length of a patient’s visit depends on the treatment plan. In general, a visit will include:
- A lab draw and verification of blood test results
- Assessment by an oncology-certified infusion nurse
- Verification of treatment orders signed by the provider
- Pharmacy preparation of medication
- Hydration and pre-treatment medications to prepare the patient
- Chemotherapy
Patients can decrease their wait time by getting labs done at a UT Southwestern location up to two days before the infusion center visit.
Intravenous chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often given through a thin needle that is placed in a vein on the hand or lower arm (intravenously or IV). The nurse will put the needle in at the start of each treatment and remove it when treatment is over. Patients should let our doctors or nurses know right away if they feel pain or burning while getting IV chemotherapy. IV chemotherapy is often given through catheters or ports placed directly into the vein. Sometimes, patients receive medication over one to two days through a pump.
Simmons Acute Care offers same-day appointments for established patients experiencing urgent symptoms or side effects (appointment required).
What Are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
Because chemotherapy can kill healthy cells along with cancer cells, side effects can occur.
Common post-treatment side effects include:
- Fatigue that comes on suddenly and is not relieved by sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Mouth or throat soreness
- Hair loss, thinning, or change in texture
- Skin rash, blisters, or peeling
- Low blood count, which makes someone more susceptible to infection
- Fever
- Bleeding
Patients experiencing side effects should reach out to their care team via the Simmons Cancer Center HOPE Line at 214-645-4673. Connecting with the care team at the onset of symptoms allows us to manage side effects early and prevent complications.
If a patient is experiencing chest pain or having trouble breathing, call 911 or visit an emergency department.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Learn more about the potential side effects of chemotherapy, how to treat them, and when it's necessary to go to Simmons Acute Care or the emergency room.
What Supportive Care Services Are Available for Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy?
At Simmons Cancer Center, our specially trained support staff is on hand to meet with patients and their families at any time. We also offer classes, meetings, and appointments focused on specific issues patients might be experiencing, to develop an integrative plan that meets their needs and wishes.
Learn more about supportive care.
We have a wide range of clinical trials open to patients with all types and stages of cancer. Search for opportunities to participate in a cancer study.
We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cancer Care at the Highest Level. Anywhere.
Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff is a trusted partner in returning patients with cancer to good health.
Results: 4 Locations
Hematology and Medical Oncology
at UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute 400 W. Magnolia AvenueFort Worth, Texas 76104 817-288-9700 Directions to Hematology and Medical Oncology at UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute, Fort Worth Parking Info for Hematology and Medical Oncology
Infusion Services
at Cancer Care Outpatient Building 6202 Harry Hines Blvd., 5th FloorDallas, Texas 75235 (214) 645-4673 Directions to Infusion Services at Cancer Care Outpatient Building, Dallas Parking Info for Infusion Services
UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird
3450 W. Camp Wisdom RoadDallas, Texas 75237 214-214-5800 Directions to UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird, Dallas Parking Info for UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird
2 Clinics at this location
Simmons Cancer Center
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano 3030 Waterview Parkway, 2nd FloorRichardson, Texas 75080 972-669-7077 Directions to Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano, Richardson