Kate's cancer

What exactly does adjuvant chemotherapy mean?

On the advice of her medical team, Princess Kate is receiving chemotherapy as a precaution.

(Bild: APA/Tolga Akmen/Pool Photo via AP)

In a moving video message, Princess Kate (42) has announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery. On the advice of her medical team, she is now undergoing preventative (adjuvant) chemotherapy.

A cancer diagnosis is often a time of fear and uncertainty for those affected. But Princess Kate shows herself to be courageous and combative in her video message. She wants to face the challenges, such as the possible loss of her hair.

Cancer cells are destroyed
Chemotherapy is a drug therapy against cancer. So-called adjuvant chemotherapy usually follows the removal of a tumor.

It is carried out to destroy any cancer cells that may still be present in the body. The aim is to reduce the risk of a possible relapse.

Princess Kate has taken up the fight against cancer.

(Bild: APA/Tolga Akmen/Pool Photo via AP)

The drugs used in chemotherapy, usually administered as an infusion or tablet, are called cytostatics. They are designed to prevent cancer cells from dividing and thus stop them from multiplying unchecked. Radiotherapy or immunotherapy can be used in addition to or as an alternative to chemotherapy.

There are usually several successive treatment cycles, often four to six - the exact sequence depends, among other things, on the substances used and the patient's state of health. The entire course of treatment with cytostatic drugs can last several months.

Nausea, exhaustion, inflammation of the mucous membranes
It is not possible to make a general statement about the chances of recovery through chemotherapy, as they depend on many factors such as the type of cancer, the stage of the tumor, the body's reaction and the age of the person affected.

The biggest problem with the use of cytostatic drugs is that they not only affect tumor cells, but also healthy body cells. The cells most affected are those that divide frequently: Cells of the hair roots, the mucous membranes in the mouth and intestines and the hematopoietic system.

This can lead to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, inflammation of the mucous membranes, for example in the mouth, tiredness and exhaustion due to too few red blood cells and increased susceptibility to infections due to too few white blood cells. Not all chemotherapy is accompanied by complete hair loss. After the end of the therapy, the hair grows back.

Hair loss - a visible side effect with emotional consequences
For many cancer patients, however, the loss of hair is one of the most stressful side effects of chemotherapy, along with other, less visible symptoms. The attribute of one's own identity that was once taken for granted is lost and the traces of the disease become visible.

Despite her fears and worries, Princess Kate is positive about the future. She knows that she can overcome this difficult time with the support of her family and the love of the people.

Despite her fears and worries, Princess Kate is positive about the future.

(Bild: APA/AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

In cancer medicine, patients are generally considered cured if the cancer has not returned after five years. Although a relapse cannot be ruled out even then, it is becoming increasingly unlikely with most types of tumor.

There is great sympathy for Princess Kate's fate. People from all over the world are sending her wishes for recovery and supporting her during this difficult time.

Princess Catherine - commonly known as Kate - turned 42 on January 9. She has three children with William, the elder son of King Charles III: ten-year-old George, eight-year-old Charlotte and five-year-old Louis. She made her last public appearance before her illness on December 25.

The Princess will only return to the public eye once her treatment is complete and only when her doctors have given her the green light.