Q. What is chemotherapy?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Chemotherapy, often simply referred to as "chemo," is a medical treatment approach used to treat cancer and certain other medical conditions. It involves the use of powerful drugs to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. The goal of chemotherapy is to inhibit or destroy cancer cells, prevent their growth, and stop the spread of cancer within the body.
Here are some key points about chemotherapy:
1. Mechanism of Action: Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cell division process. They can disrupt the DNA or other cellular components necessary for cell replication.
2. Types of Cancer Treated: Chemotherapy can be used to treat various types of cancer, either as the primary treatment or in combination with other therapies like surgery or radiation therapy.
3. Administration: Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in different ways, including intravenous (IV) injections, oral pills, intramuscular injections, and topical applications.
4. Frequency and Duration: The treatment regimen varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy may be given in cycles, with rest periods between treatments to allow the body to recover.
5. Side Effects: Chemotherapy drugs can affect healthy cells in addition to cancer cells, leading to side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in blood cell counts.
6. Customized Treatment: The choice of chemotherapy drugs and the treatment plan are tailored to the individual's specific cancer diagnosis, overall health, and treatment goals.
7. Combination Therapy: In some cases, chemotherapy is used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, to maximize its effectiveness.
It's important to note that while chemotherapy can be a potent tool in the fight against cancer, it can also have significant side effects. The specific drugs and treatment plan used will be determined by a medical oncologist, taking into account the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Patients receiving chemotherapy often work closely with a healthcare team to manage side effects and ensure the best possible outcome.