Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer cells. However, because it can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, chemotherapy can have a range of side effects, such as fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and more.
The drugs used in chemotherapy can be delivered in several ways, including orally, intravenously, or via injection into different parts of the body. Treatment schedules vary widely depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the type of chemotherapy, and the patient's health.
Chemotherapy may be given with a curative intent (to cure the cancer), or it may aim to prolong life or to reduce symptoms (palliative chemotherapy). It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. The effectiveness and specific regimen of chemotherapy depend on the type and stage of the cancer as well as the overall condition of the patient.