Chemotherapy
Cancer chemotherapy; Cancer drug therapy; Cytotoxic chemotherapy
The term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:
- Cure the cancer
- Shrink the cancer
- Prevent the cancer from spreading
- Relieve symptoms the cancer may be causing
The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.
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HOW CHEMOTHERAPY IS GIVEN
Depending on the type of cancer and where it is found, chemotherapy drugs may be given different ways, including:
- Injections or shots into the muscles
- Injections or shots under the skin
- Into an artery
- Into a vein (intravenous, or IV)
- Pills taken by mouth
- Shots into the fluid around the spinal cord or brain
When chemotherapy is given over a longer period, a thin catheter can be placed into a large vein near the heart. This is called a central line. The catheter is placed during a minor surgery.
There are many types of catheters, including:
- Central venous catheter
- Central venous catheter with a port
- Percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC)
A central line can stay in the body over a long period of time. It will need to be flushed on a weekly to monthly basis to prevent blood clots from forming inside the central line.
Different chemotherapy drugs may be given at the same time or after each other. Radiation therapy may be received before, after, or during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is most often given in cycles. These cycles may last 1 day, several days, or a few weeks or more. There will usually be a rest period when no chemotherapy is given between each cycle. A rest period may last for days, weeks, or months. This allows the body and blood counts to recover before the next dose.
Often, chemotherapy is given at a special clinic or at the hospital. Some people are able to receive chemotherapy in their home. If home chemotherapy is given, home health nurses will help with the medicine and IVs. The person getting the chemotherapy and their family members will receive special training.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEMOTHERAPY
The different types of chemotherapy include:
- Standard chemotherapy, which works by killing cancer cells and some normal cells.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
Because these medicines travel through the blood to the entire body, chemotherapy is described as a bodywide treatment.
As a result, chemotherapy may damage or kill some normal cells. These include bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the lining of the mouth and the digestive tract.
When this damage occurs, there can be side effects. Some people who receive chemotherapy:
- Are more likely to have infections
- Become tired more easily
- Bleed too much, even during everyday activities
- Feel pain or numbness from nerve damage
- Have a dry mouth, mouth sores, or swelling in the mouth
- Have a poor appetite or lose weight
- Have an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Lose their hair
- Have problems with thinking and memory ("chemo brain")
Side effects of chemotherapy depend on many things, including the type of cancer and which drugs are being used. Each person reacts differently to these drugs. Some newer chemotherapy drugs that better target cancer cells may cause fewer or different side effects.
Your health care provider will explain what you can do at home to prevent or treat side effects. These measures include:
- Being careful with pets and other animals to avoid catching infections from them
- Eating enough calories and protein to keep your weight up
- Preventing bleeding, and what to do if bleeding occurs
- Eating and drinking safely
- Washing your hands often with soap and water
You will need to have follow-up visits with your provider during and after chemotherapy. Blood tests and imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRI, CT, or PET scans will be done to:
- Monitor how well the chemotherapy is working
- Watch for damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood, and other parts of the body
References
Collins JM. Cancer pharmacology. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 25.
Doroshow JH. Approach to the patient with cancer. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 169.
National Cancer Institute website. Chemotherapy to treat cancer.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/29/2022
Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
