Treatments
Chemotherapy
Medical treatment to destroy cancer cells
Chemotherapy refers to the administration of certain medications to kill cancer cells. Sometimes, they are given before surgery (also called neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumour and make it easier to be removed.
It also treats any microscopic disease (kills any tumour cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, but cannot yet be detected). Giving neoadjuvant chemotherapy also allows us to see if the tumour is responsive to the treatment, by calculating what proportion of the tumour cells have been killed by the chemotherapy. In some cases, chemotherapy is also given after surgery (called adjuvant chemotherapy).
Chemotherapy is administered by your medical oncologist, who will monitor the response of the tumour to the chemotherapy, and also look out for any potential complications such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, decrease in normal blood counts and complications related to the heart or lungs.
Whether you get chemotherapy or not depends on a number of factors including: your overall health status, the type of tumour you have, and whether the tumour has spread to other parts of the body or not. Some sarcomas respond to chemotherapy, whilst others do not.
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.