In the past few years, oncology has changed considerably, not only through significant improvements in successful treatment, but also through its ability to provide patients with the best quality of life possible during treatment. We are gradually moving from a rigid practice with difficult treatments administered in the course of long and repeated hospital stays, to treatment administered in ambulatory care whenever possible, whether it be surgery, chemotherapy or new forms of therapy.
Rapid progress in oral treatment administration since the end of the 1990s, in chemotherapy and in targeted therapies, is one of the most noteworthy advances in the field.
It allows patients unprecedented freedom, and is much more compatible with a family, social and even professional life as close to normal as possible.
However, oral chemotherapy is still not very well-known by the public, who often think of it as less effective or associated with a risk of low digestive tolerance.
This section intends to answer the questions you are likely to have regarding oral chemotherapy in all its forms, as it is currently used in cancer treatment. This section does not replace explanations provided by a doctor, but could help prepare for a fruitful discussion between the patient and the health professional.
Dr. Suzette Delaloge
Head of Breast Pathology Committee
Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif (France)