Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It can be administered in various forms, including intravenous (IV) infusion, oral pills, or injections. Chemotherapy can be used for different purposes, including:
- Curative Treatment: Aimed at curing the cancer completely, often used in early-stage cancers.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove.
- Palliative Care: Used to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in advanced-stage cancers, rather than aiming for cure.
How It Works
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, a common characteristic of cancer cells. However, these drugs can also affect normal cells that divide quickly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This can lead to side effects.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects of chemotherapy include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Increased risk of infection
- Changes in appetite
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea or constipation
Administration
Chemotherapy is typically given in cycles, allowing time for the body to recover between treatments. A healthcare team will monitor patients for side effects and overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Emerging Approaches
In recent years, chemotherapy has often been combined with other treatments, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, to improve outcomes for patients. Ongoing research continues to develop new agents and methods to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.
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