Chemotherapy treatment

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which are a hallmark characteristic of cancer cells. While chemotherapy can be effective in killing cancer cells, it can also affect normal, healthy cells in the body that divide quickly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles, leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, and decreased blood cell counts.

Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in various ways, including orally (as pills or liquids), intravenously (through a vein), or via injections. The specific drugs and treatment regimen depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and their treatment goals.

Chemotherapy can be used as the primary treatment for certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, or it may be used in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used before surgery or radiation therapy to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove or treat. The goal of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors, ultimately helping to control or eliminate the cancer.