Chemoterapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, primarily cancer cells, often involving multiple sessions and may include side effects like nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that employs potent chemicals to destroy fast-growing cells in the body. It’s most effective against cancer cells, which multiply more rapidly than normal cells. Chemotherapy can be the primary treatment or used in conjunction with other therapies like surgery or radiation. When used after other treatments, it aims to eliminate any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy). Before other treatments, it can shrink tumors to make subsequent procedures more effective (neoadjuvant therapy). Additionally, it can alleviate symptoms of advanced cancer (palliative chemotherapy).

The administration of chemotherapy varies: it can be given intravenously, orally, via injections, or applied topically. Some methods target specific areas, like intraperitoneal (abdomen) or intrathecal (spinal cord) chemotherapy. The treatment schedule is individualized, based on the type and stage of cancer, overall health, and prior cancer treatments. Common side effects include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and increased infection risk. Long-term effects might include organ damage and fertility issues. Pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care are crucial for managing side effects and maintaining health during chemotherapy.

How Does Chemotherapy Fights Cancer?

Chemotherapy combats cancer by using chemicals to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, primarily cancer cells. It disrupts various cell processes and DNA replication, leading to cell death. Chemotherapy can be systemic, affecting the whole body, or localized to specific areas. By destroying cells that grow and divide quickly, it helps shrink tumors, prevents cancer spread, and kills cells that might have escaped initial treatments. Its effectiveness varies depending on cancer type and stage, and it can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments.

Types of Chemotherapy

• Intravenous Chemotherapy: Administered directly into a vein
• Oral Chemotherapy: Taken in pill or capsule form
• Topical Chemotherapy: Applied as creams for certain skin cancers
• Injection: Similar to receiving a shot
• Localized Chemotherapy: Directly targeting specific body areas, such as intraperitoneal or intrathecal
• Regional Chemotherapy: Given directly to the cancer site or nearby area

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