Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs fight cancer by interfering with the growth process of cancer cells, eventually causing the cells to die. Chemotherapy is used to shrink or eliminate the tumor, keep the tumor from spreading, destroy any cancer cells that have spread to other areas in the body, or relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment, because it affects the entire body.

Chemotherapy is given by a medical oncologist, which is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication. Some people may receive chemotherapy in their doctor's office; others may go to the hospital. A chemotherapy regimen usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a period of time. Some drugs are given continuously over several days; some are given several times a week.

Learn more about:

*