Preparation before chemotherapy for prostate cancer

Chemotherapy is one of the treatment methods that has made rapid progress in the treatment of prostate cancer in recent years. However, while chemotherapy drugs kill tumor cells, they also kill normal cells in the human body, which can easily cause toxic effects and adverse reactions. Before taking the drugs, you should have a comprehensive physical examination and be fully prepared.

1. Before and during medication, liver function should be checked to avoid chemotherapy drugs damaging liver cells. Chemotherapy should be stopped if necessary.

2. Before each chemotherapy, a blood test should be done. If the white blood cell count is lower than (2.5-3)×109/L and the platelet count is (50-80)×109/L, chemotherapy should be temporarily stopped and blood cell-raising drugs should be used as prescribed by the doctor.

3. Patients with heart disease should avoid using chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to the heart. Electrocardiograms should be checked before and during medication, and the medication should be stopped immediately if any abnormalities are found.

4. Patients with impaired lung function should avoid the use of lung toxic drugs, such as bleomycin, and check their lung conditions regularly. They should also pay attention to follow-up examinations after stopping the medication. In general, chemotherapy should be stopped immediately for lung toxic reactions and hormone treatment should be used.

5. During chemotherapy, male patients should practice birth control, as reproductive function can be restored after stopping the medication.

6. Check kidney function regularly before and during medication. Drink more water or take diuretic Chinese herbal medicine to keep the daily urine volume at 2000-3000 ml.