Chemotherapy

Our service uses a range of specialist treatments to manage different types of cancer. These are sometimes called systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT). The most common type of SACT is chemotherapy. Other types include immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

We understand that going through cancer treatment can be challenging for you and those close to you. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with expert care and support throughout your treatment. We do this through our dedicated team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists. We also have other specialists working within the team who are here to support you. These include psychologists, complementary therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Each treatment works in a different way:

• Chemotherapy – slows down or kills cancer cells by damaging the DNA. This stops the cells from replicating and growing
• Immunotherapy – helps your immune system to find and kill cancer cells
• Targeted therapy – blocks specific processes that cancer cells need to survive. This slows and stops cancer cells from growing

We can use these treatments on their own or together. The type of treatment you have will depend on:

• The type of cancer you have
• What works best for your type of cancer

At UCLH, we deliver treatments in outpatient units and hospital wards. The place your treatment is delivered will depend on what you’re having. You may have treatment in more than one of these areas:

• Macmillan Cancer Centre:
  • Chemotherapy day care – 2^nd floor
  • Ambulatory care – 2^nd floor
  • Children and young persons’ cancer service – 3^rd floor
  • Supportive care – 4^th floor.

• University College Hospital tower wards:
  • Haematology: T16 North
  • Oncology: T13 North and T13 South.

• Grafton Way Building:
  • Haematology: 2 East and 2 North, 3 East and 3 North, and 4 East
  • Intensive Care Unit:1^st floor.

We will:

• Explain your cancer diagnosis and the planned treatment
• Tell you about the possible side effects and how to manage them
• Answer any questions you have about your diagnosis and treatment

We will give you a 24-hour advice line number to call if you’re unwell at home. You will be able to speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support.