Chemotherapy

About this approach

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Its purpose can be to cure a cancer, lower the chance of recurrence, control advanced disease, or relieve symptoms. The drugs, schedule, and expected benefit depend on the diagnosis and treatment setting. Understanding why a particular regimen is recommended can make appointments more useful and help you plan for treatment, recovery time, and support at home.

Where it fits: Established cancer treatment

Where this treatment is used

Chemotherapy is an established treatment for many cancers, but its effectiveness cannot be summarized by one success rate. A regimen supported for one cancer or stage may not be appropriate for another. It may be used before surgery to reduce a tumor, after local treatment to address remaining cancer cells, or to treat disease in multiple areas. Some medicines are taken by mouth; others are delivered through an infusion or another route. Treatment is often organized into cycles with recovery periods. Your team assesses response through examinations, scans, and laboratory tests. The presence or intensity of side effects does not reliably tell you whether treatment is working.

Procedure and practical considerations

Different regimens have different risks. Fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, and hair loss are possible, and some drugs reduce infection-fighting white blood cells. During treatment, a fever or other infection symptoms require prompt contact with the oncology team using its emergency instructions. Supportive medicines and adjustments can help manage side effects.

Cancer guides that discuss this treatment

These cancer-type guides include this treatment among their connected approaches. Open a guide to see the related terminology, treatments, and clinic profiles.

Clinics reporting this approach

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