“Preventive” chemotherapy: what is it, and how long?

In the video published Friday March 22 to announce his cancer, Kate Middleton has explained “follow chemotherapy preventive” and be “to early stages of this treatment“. Cancer corresponds to an abnormal multiplication of certain cells in the body, which results in the formation of a mass or “tumor”. Chemotherapy targets cancer cells to destroy them and stop them from multiplying. It can be decided by doctors before surgery or after, as is the case for Princess of Wales, operated on the abdomen in January 2024.

Definition: so-called “preventive” or “adjuvant” chemotherapy

When chemotherapy occurs after a surgical operation, we speak of “adjuvant chemotherapy” or “chemotherapy preventive“. This term little used by French doctors perhaps misleading. When we hear “preventive”, we may think that it is a treatment to prevent cancer, when it is not.

“Chemotherapy to prevent cancer does not exist”

“Chemotherapy to prevent cancer does not exist”, confirms Professor Nicolas Girard, head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Institut Curie. “Preventive” chemotherapy treats cancer present in a patient. “It is complementary chemotherapy to surgical procedure which consisted of remove visible cancer cells” continues the specialist. It aims to “destroy microscopic cancer cells that may remain and are not visible. This is given chemotherapy for relapse preventionto prevent recurrence of cancer and the development of metastases” explains Professor Girard. Adjuvant chemotherapy thus improves the chances of recovery. The decision to offer preventive chemotherapy takes into account the person’s risk factors, their age, their general condition, their opinion, as well as their medical and surgical history.

For which cancers?

“Preventive chemotherapy is used for many cancers such as breast cancer, cancers colorectalcertain cancers gynecological or even lung cancer” replies Professor Girard.

How long does it last ?

Chemotherapy performed after surgery lasts approximately 2 to 4 months but can go up to 6 months. It generally begins 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

What medications?

“It exists dozens of chemotherapy drugsall different in their effectiveness, their side effects, their indications” explained Dr Jean-Baptiste Méric, oncologist, in a previous article dedicated to chemotherapy. These drugs are extracted from plants or produced in the laboratory by synthesis. We speak of “anti-tumor” drugs (against the tumor) or anti-cancer drugs (against cancer). They are most often administered by injection into a vein, otherwise they can be given orally or intramuscularly. Injections can be performed in the hospital on an outpatient basis (the patient enters in the morning and leaves a few hours later, once the infusion is finished) or home (a nurse comes to the patient to infuse him).

“The duration of the infusion varies from one patient to another and can last from 30 minutes to a few dayss” specified Dr. Méric. The number of sessions is prescribed by the doctor. During chemotherapy treatment, healthy cells can be affected which causes side effects but they regenerate quickly so most side effects of chemotherapy are temporary and reversible.

Thanks to Professor Nicolas Girard, head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Institut Curie.