Guide Note

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells. Normal cells, grow and die in a controlled fashion. Cancer cells, on the other hand, keep forming without control. Chemotherapy stops cancer cells from multiplying.¹

The drugs used during chemotherapy are called anti-cancer drugs. However, chemotherapy can also destroy healthy cells. Side effects result, when healthy cells are damaged. Upon completion of chemotherapy, damaged cells are able to repair themselves.²

Chemotherapy may be used to cure, control, or ease symptoms of cancer, depending on how advanced the disease is. While sometimes it is used on its own, often chemotherapy is administered in conjunction with surgery, radiation therapy or biological therapy.¹

Fast Facts

1. First chemotherapy drug: Mustard gas³
2. Routes: Oral, topical, injection, IV, IA, IP¹
3. IV route distributes drugs quickly
4. Doses differ for children and adults
5. Usually given in interval cycles
6. Lowers the number of white blood cells³
7. Damages cancer cells
8. Can also damage healthy cells causing side effects
9. Several different types
10. Places administered: Hospitals, doctors office, out patient clinic, home, workplace
11. Combination chemotherapy: Multiple drugs administered

Side Effects

• Anemia
• Appetite change
• Bleeding
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Flu like symptoms
• Nausea
• Fluid retention

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before undergoing chemotherapy.