Chemotherapy

Definition

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other methods depending on the drug and type of cancer.
2. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased risk of infection due to bone marrow suppression.
3. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy for better efficacy.
4. Some chemotherapeutic agents are cytotoxic and work by damaging the DNA of rapidly dividing cells.
5. Dose intensity and scheduling (dose-dense chemotherapy) are critical factors in the success of chemotherapy treatments.

Review Questions

• What are three common side effects of chemotherapy?
• How can chemotherapy be administered to a patient?
• Why is dose intensity important in chemotherapy treatments?

Related terms

Cytotoxic Drugs: Medications that kill or damage cells; used in chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.

Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells.