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Definition

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. Most commonly, the term is used to refer to cancer-killing drugs. This article focuses on cancer chemotherapy.

Alternative Names

Cancer chemotherapy; Cancer drug therapy; Cytotoxic chemotherapy

Information

Chemotherapy drugs can be given by mouth or injection. Because the medicines travel through the blood stream to the entire body, chemotherapy is considered a body-wide (systemic) treatment.

Chemotherapy may be used to:

  • Cure the cancer
  • Keep the cancer from spreading
  • Ease symptoms (when the cancer cannot be cured)

Chemotherapy medicines usually target cells that quickly divide. However, normal cells -- including those found in the blood, hair, and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract -- also divide very quickly. That means chemotherapy can also damage or kill these healthy cells. When this occurs, side effects such as nausea, anemia, and hair loss can occur. Some persons who receive chemotherapy also have fatigue, nerve pain, and infection.

Side effects of chemotherapy depend on many things, including the type of cancer and specific drugs being used. Newer chemotherapy drugs that better target cancer cells may cause fewer side effects.

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14y ago

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Related Questions

Where can I find more information on the effects of chemotherapy?

You can visit www.cancer.org for more information on chemotherapy side effects.


Where can I find information about the effects of chemotherapy?

You can find information on the side effects of chemotherapy by visiting www.cancer.org. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.


How dangerous are the effects of chemotherapy?

The effects of chemotherapy can be very dangerous. Some of the side effects include infection, dehydration, blood in the urine, and blood clots, and a condition called Thrombocytopenia.


What is intramuscular chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy given by intramuscular injection is absorbed into the blood more slowly than IV chemotherapy. Because of this, the effects of IM chemotherapy may last longer than chemotherapy given intravenously.


CAN chemo cause bleeding in the eye?

There are several possible effects of chemotherapy on eyes, since chemotherapy is a lump term that describes treatment through use of drugs. These effects would depend on what type of chemotherapy. You should consult your doctor about the specific side-effects of your specific type of chemotherapy.


Chemotherapy side effects on children?

Chemotherapy has different effect on different individuals< To learn more about this go to the related link(Kids health Chemotherapy) below.


What are some effects of chemotherapy on a developing fetus?

the child could be possibly be born with birth deficts


What exactly are the worst effects of chemotherapy?

Unfortunately the side effects of chemotherapy can be fairly troublesome. One such side effect is depression of the immune system leaving the patient more vulnerable to infections and sickness. Chemotherapy can also be physically tiring or even exhausting. Some consider this worse than others but chemotherapy can also lead to hair loss.


What are the long-term side effects of chemothrapy?

The long-term side effects of chemotherapy are determined by factors such as the body part or parts affected by cancer, the type of chemotherapy given, and the overall health of the patient before chemotherapy. Some long-term effects may include heart problems, decreased lung capacity, fatigue, hormone problems, and joint problems. Cancer can be beaten and the benefit of chemotherapy is far greater than the risks.


Is chemotherapy good or bad Why?

Chemotherapy can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on individual circumstances. It effectively targets and destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells, potentially leading to remission and improved survival rates. However, it often comes with significant side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and weakened immune function, which can severely impact a patient's quality of life. Ultimately, the decision to undergo chemotherapy should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.


What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

There are alot of side effects beginning with nausea being the most common. In some cases, there is hair loss and severe lethargy among many other effects depending on the type and amount of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has a wide range of side effects. Most notable are the hair loss and extreme nausea associate with chemo treatments. Some patients also report severe migraine headaches.


What are some of the common effects of chemotherapy?

There are a wide range of common effects that one might experience with chemotherapy. Some of the more common effects include hair loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms tend to vary from person to person.