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Pricing:
The cost of chemotherapy treatment in Hong Kong can vary significantly depending on the healthcare provider. While public medical services may charge as little as over HK$100 per session, private medical institutions can range up to several hundred thousand dollars. It is important to note that a higher price tag does not necessarily guarantee better therapeutic outcomes. If the cost of chemotherapy is a primary consideration for you, we welcome you to discuss your options with our team.
What is Chemotherapy and What are its Goals?
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that utilizes chemical drugs to destroy cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death). As a widely established treatment for various types of cancer over many years, chemotherapy has become increasingly affordable within the current Hong Kong healthcare system compared to the past. The Goals of Chemotherapy Treatment Depending on the stage of the disease, chemotherapy aims to achieve the following objectives:
Curative Treatment In early-stage cases, chemotherapy offers the potential to eradicate cancer cells entirely, allowing patients to regain their health. However, long-term follow-up is essential after treatment completion to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
Tumor Control In intermediate-stage cases, even if the chances of a complete cure are lower than in early stages, chemotherapy can be used to shrink tumors and keep the disease under control.
Symptom Relief (Palliative Care) For advanced-stage cancer, chemotherapy can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life, a process also known as “Palliative Care”.
In addition to being used as a standalone therapy, chemotherapy is frequently employed as an adjuvant treatment alongside surgery and radiotherapy to enhance overall efficacy.
When selecting chemotherapy drugs, doctors carefully consider the type of cancer, as well as the size, location, and distribution (extent of metastasis) of the tumor. At the same time, the doctor assesses the patient’s physical condition to evaluate their tolerance for potential side effects. If necessary, a combination of multiple chemotherapy drugs may be used to achieve a synergistic effect.
Most chemotherapy treatments are administered via injection or oral medication. Except for specific cases where prolonged infusion times require an overnight stay, most chemotherapy sessions can be completed at a day center or outpatient clinic without the need for hospitalization.
What Oncology Services Does Well Clinic Provide?
To ensure you receive comprehensive care throughout your anti-cancer journey, Well Clinic is equipped with professional qualifications and facilities to provide the following nursing and medical services:
Cancer Chemotherapy (Chemo)
Our clinic is equipped with facilities that meet professional medical standards to provide chemotherapy services for various common types of cancer. Whether through intravenous injection or oral medication, our medical team will closely monitor the process to ensure the entire treatment is safe, precise, and smooth.
Chemotherapy Side Effect Management
Side effects that may occur during chemotherapy—such as nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, or hair loss—are often the primary concerns for patients. We proactively prescribe appropriate relief medications to alleviate symptoms and provide professional daily care and health education guidance to minimize the impact of side effects on your daily life.
Psychological and Nutritional Support Suggestions
We focus not only on the progress of your treatment but also on your overall quality of life. Our team provides timely, professional nutritional intake advice and psychological support to help you and your family maintain a positive mindset as you navigate the treatment stages together.
What is the Chemotherapy Process?
Administering chemotherapy drugs is a critical part of cancer treatment and is often the primary concern for patients. Contrary to many expectations, there are very few restrictive rules during injection. Patient health and safety are strictly protected before, during, and after the infusion, ensuring a secure experience.
Pre-Treatment Assessment and Blood Tests
Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, leading to a decrease in white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. Therefore, a blood test is required before every session. If the report shows that certain indicators are too low, the treatment may be postponed until they return to a safe range.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Once blood indicators are ideal, the treatment date is confirmed.
Avoid excessive or hard-to-digest food 2 to 3 hours before treatment. Maintain a light diet; fasting is not required.
Take prescribed medications (such as anti-nausea drugs, steroids, or stomach medications) as directed to reduce post-treatment discomforts like nausea or infusion reactions, ensuring a smooth process.
Drug Preparation and Aseptic Operation
Nursing and pharmacy staff prepare the drugs according to the prescription.
Liquid drugs are drawn directly via syringe, while powder drugs require dilution with infusion fluid, which takes longer.
The entire process is completed within a biological safety cabinet to ensure sterility and staff safety.
Starting the Infusion (Cannulation and Connection)
The injection site is disinfected with alcohol swabs after applying a tourniquet.
A soft cannula is inserted into the vein, and the infusion tubing is connected.
Depending on individual needs, some patients—especially those requiring long-term infusion or with fragile veins—may use an implanted port (Port-a-Cath).
Experience During Infusion
Infusions containing steroids are usually administered slowly; most patients tolerate the process well.
Infusion time varies by prescription, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Fasting is not necessary; light snacks like biscuits or milk are allowed.
If you need to use the restroom, you can alert the nurse to temporarily disconnect the tubing.
Handling Discomfort and Immediate Assessment
If you feel any discomfort during the infusion, notify the nurse immediately.
The nurse will pause the infusion, disconnect the tubing, measure vital signs, and call a doctor for an immediate assessment.
Completion and Discharge Recommendations
After the session, the nurse will remove the tubing and apply pressure to the injection site for about 10 minutes to stop bleeding.
Patients can go home if they feel well, or rest at the clinic if needed.
Safety Note: Because anti-allergy medications may cause dizziness, we recommend being accompanied by a family member and avoiding driving or operating machinery.
While most patients feel fine on the day of treatment, fatigue may set in 1 to 3 days later. We suggest plenty of rest, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet to prepare for the next injection.
Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Management
Hair Loss
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect hair follicle cells, causing varying degrees of hair loss. However, this is temporary, and the hair will regrow after the chemotherapy treatment is completed.
Treatment: Use a soft and breathable hat or headscarf, or wear a wig.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, usually occurring hours to days after administration, and in severe cases, can even lead to dehydration. However, current chemotherapy drugs have greatly improved, and nausea and vomiting are becoming less common. Furthermore, they can be effectively prevented and controlled with prescription medications.
Treatment: Before applying the medication, eat a small, light meal. After applying the medication, drink plenty of water, eat small, frequent meals, and choose easily digestible, light foods. Avoid fried, greasy, gas-producing, and spicy foods.
Decreased Blood Cell Counts
Another side effect of chemotherapy is the potential suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to a decrease in red blood cell count. If the red blood cell count is too low, patients may experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. A decrease in white blood cell count can weaken the patient’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Treatment: Pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid crowded places, and avoid eating leftover or undercooked food. At the same time, patients should pay attention to nutrition, eating more high-protein, high-calorie foods, which will help increase blood cell count. Doctors may also prescribe white blood cell-boosting injections as needed by individual patients.
Gastrointestinal Reactions
Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the digestive tract lining, leading to constipation or diarrhea.
Treatment: Constipation can be improved by eating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. For diarrhea, it is advisable to eat light or warm liquid foods to replenish the fluids lost during diarrhea, and avoid eating irritating foods. If the condition is mild, the patient can take antidiarrheal medication; however, if the condition is severe and may lead to dehydration, the doctor should be notified as soon as possible.
Low Platelet Count
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause a decrease in platelet count. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, with clinical symptoms including easy bruising, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding. If necessary, doctors may recommend lowering the dosage of chemotherapy drugs.
Treatment: Pay attention to safety in daily life, such as avoiding injury when shaving, exercising, and using sharp objects.
Oral ulcers
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the oral mucosa, causing redness, swelling, and inflammation, as well as white patches resembling prickly heat, leading to pain and even difficulty eating.
Treatment: Maintain good oral hygiene, rinse with a mild salt water solution or a doctor-prescribed mouthwash, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and eat soft, easily swallowed foods. If the condition severely affects the patient’s nutritional intake, the doctor must be informed.
Fatigue
The patient has insufficient red blood cells, which reduces the body’s oxygen levels, making them prone to fatigue.
Treatment: Ensure sufficient rest and engage in light exercise regularly.
Nerve and Muscle Numbness
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage as a side effect, leading to symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and decreased sensation.
Treatment: Mild cases can be relieved by keeping warm, massaging, and applying heat. If the condition is severe, you must notify a
