Chemotherapy
A cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control cancer cells.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Because chemotherapy can travel through the bloodstream, it may reach cancer cells in different parts of the body.
It is commonly used for cancers that have spread, have a high risk of spreading, or need whole-body treatment.
SCROLL
How It Works
Chemotherapy attacks cells that grow and divide quickly. Cancer cells often grow quickly, but some normal cells also divide quickly, which is why side effects can happen.
Commonly affected normal cells include:
Hair follicles
Mouth lining
Digestive system
Bone marrow
Skin and nails
When Chemotherapy May Be Used
Treatment Timing
Purpose
Before surgery
To shrink the tumor
After surgery
To reduce recurrence risk
Main treatment
For cancers sensitive to chemotherapyrisk
Advanced cancer
To control growth or symptoms
Combination treatment
With radiation, immunotherapy or targeted therapy
Possible Benefits & Side Effects
Possible Benefits
· Can treat cancer cells in different parts of the body
· May shrink tumors
· May reduce recurrence risk
· Can be combined with other treatments
· Useful for many cancer types
Possible Side Effects
· Nausea or vomiting
· Tiredness
· Hair loss
· Mouth sores
· Appetite changes
· Low blood counts
· Infection risk
· Numbness in hands or feet
Treatment Cycles
Chemotherapy is often given in cycles. A cycle includes treatment days and rest days, allowing the body time to recover before the next treatment.
Before each cycle, doctors may check blood tests, liver function, kidney function and overall condition.
Common questions about proton therapy
Will chemotherapy always cause hair loss?
Not always. It depends on the medicine used.
Can chemotherapy be taken as tablets?
Yes. Some chemotherapy medicines are oral, while others are given through IV infusion.
How long does chemotherapy take?
It depends on the cancer type and treatment plan.
Can chemotherapy be combined with immunotherapy?
Yes, in selected cases.