Why is chemotherapy required after major cancer surgeries?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, patients with cancers such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer often require chemotherapy after surgery due to surgical trauma and stress, decreased immune function, minimal residual disease, active cell proliferation, and increased potential for metastasis. If any discomfort occurs, seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamin intake, and to follow a regular sleep schedule, avoiding staying up late.
Generally, patients with cancers such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer often require chemotherapy after surgery due to surgical trauma and stress, decreased immune function, microscopic residual lesions, active cell proliferation, and increased potential for metastasis. Seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital if discomfort occurs. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Surgical Trauma and Stress
Surgery causes tissue damage, triggering local inflammatory responses and affecting tissue repair. Enhance nutritional support by consuming high-quality protein, keep the wound clean, and regularly change dressings to prevent infection.
2. Decreased Immune Function
Surgery consumes significant energy, reducing the activity of immune cells and increasing susceptibility to abnormal cell invasion. Maintain regular sleep patterns, engage in moderate exercise such as slow walking, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins.
3. Microscopic Residual Lesions
Surgery cannot completely eliminate hidden microscopic lesions, which may lead to disease recurrence. Follow your doctor’s instructions to use medications such as pemetrexed disodium for injection, paclitaxel injection, and cisplatin injection. Regular follow-up examinations are recommended during treatment.
4. Active Cell Proliferation
Some cancer cells divide rapidly, allowing residual cells to grow quickly. Under medical guidance, medications such as capecitabine tablets, tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil potassium capsules (S-1), and oxaliplatin for injection can be used to control cell proliferation.
5. Increased Metastatic Potential
Some cancer cells are invasive and may spread through the blood or lymphatic system. Medications such as fluorouracil for injection, irinotecan hydrochloride injection, and calcium folinate for injection may be used. Lymph node dissection may be necessary when indicated. Avoid overexertion after surgery.
In daily life, maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamin intake; adhere to regular作息 and avoid staying up late; engage in moderate physical activity to strengthen the body; and undergo regular check-ups to monitor health status, enabling early detection and prompt management.
