Cancer chemotherapy refers to the use of medications, known as chemotherapeutic agents or anticancer drugs, to treat cancer. It is a systemic treatment that aims to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth and division throughout the body.Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancer cells..
Cancer chemotherapy refers to the use of medications, known as chemotherapeutic agents or anticancer drugs, to treat cancer. It is a systemic treatment that aims to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth and division throughout the body.Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancer cells and some healthy cells. These drugs can interfere with the cell division process by damaging the DNA or other components necessary for cell replication. By doing so, chemotherapy disrupts the ability of cancer cells to multiply and eventually leads to their death.Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. This approach is known as multimodal or combination therapy and aims to maximize the effectiveness of treatment and improve patient outcomes.While chemotherapy is effective at killing cancer cells, it can also affect normal, healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This can lead to side effects, which vary depending on the specific drugs used, dosage, and individual patient factors. Common side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to infections.The selection of chemotherapy drugs and treatment regimens depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, overall health of the patient, and potential drug interactions. Oncologists and medical professionals carefully consider these factors to develop personalized treatment plans that optimize the chances of success while minimizing side effects. Regular monitoring and adjustments may be made throughout the course of chemotherapy to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
- Cancer Chemotherapy – Using drugs to target and eliminate cancer cells, similar to Cancer Pain.
