What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth and spread. It is one of the most common and widely used treatments for cancer and can be administered alone or in combination with other therapies, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.

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Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells. However, because chemotherapy drugs can also affect normal, healthy cells that divide rapidly, they can cause side effects. These side effects can vary depending on the type and dosage of chemotherapy drugs used, as well as individual factors such as overall health and tolerance to treatment.

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Chemotherapy may be given in different ways, including:

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1. Intravenous (IV) infusion: Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into a vein, allowing them to circulate throughout the body and reach cancer cells wherever they may be.

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2. Oral pills or capsules: Some chemotherapy drugs are taken by mouth and absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive system.

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3. Intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection: In some cases, chemotherapy drugs may be administered as injections into a muscle or under the skin.

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4. Intrathecal injection: For cancers that affect the central nervous system, such as leukemia or lymphoma, chemotherapy drugs may be injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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The choice of chemotherapy drugs and treatment regimen depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and any previous cancer treatments received. Chemotherapy may be used as:

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- Adjuvant therapy: Given after surgery or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Neoadjuvant therapy: Given before surgery or radiation therapy to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
- Palliative therapy: Given to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced or metastatic cancer.

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While chemotherapy can be highly effective in treating cancer and improving survival rates, it can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. However, supportive care measures and advancements in chemotherapy drugs and administration techniques have helped to minimize these side effects and improve the overall tolerability of treatment.