Chemotherapy (chemo) is a medical treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat various types of cancer, but can also be used for certain autoimmune diseases and bone marrow disorders.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
✔ Targets Fast-Growing Cells – Since cancer cells divide rapidly, chemotherapy drugs are designed to attack and destroy them.
✔ Affects Some Healthy Cells – Because chemo also affects other fast-growing cells (like those in hair, skin, and bone marrow), it can cause side effects.
✔ Delivered in Different Ways – Chemotherapy can be injected, taken as a pill, applied as a cream, or infused into the bloodstream through an IV.
Types of Chemotherapy
| Type | How It Works | Example Drugs |
|---|---|---|
| Alkylating Agents | Directly damage DNA to stop cancer cell growth. | Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin |
| Antimetabolites | Interfere with DNA and RNA replication. | Methotrexate, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
| Topoisomerase Inhibitors | Block enzymes that help DNA replication. | Doxorubicin, Etoposide |
| Mitotic Inhibitors | Stop cell division, preventing cancer spread. | Paclitaxel, Vincristine |
| Targeted Therapy | Attacks specific molecules in cancer cells. | Imatinib (Gleevec), Trastuzumab (Herceptin) |
Uses of Chemotherapy
✔ Primary Treatment – Used alone to destroy cancer cells.
✔ Adjuvant Therapy – Given after surgery or radiation to kill remaining cancer cells.
✔ Neoadjuvant Therapy – Given before surgery or radiation to shrink tumors.
✔ Palliative Care – Used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancers.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
⚠ Common Side Effects:
- Hair loss – Affects hair follicles (temporary).
- Fatigue – Low energy due to effects on red blood cells.
- Nausea & Vomiting – Affects stomach lining.
- Weakened Immune System – Reduces white blood cells, increasing infection risk.
- Mouth Sores – Due to impact on fast-growing mucosal cells.
🔹 Long-Term Effects:
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Heart or lung issues (depending on drug type)
- Increased risk of secondary cancers
How Is Chemotherapy Given?
✔ Intravenous (IV) – Most common, delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream.
✔ Oral Pills or Tablets – Taken at home but requires monitoring.
✔ Injection – Given into muscle, under the skin, or spinal fluid.
✔ Topical Cream – Used for skin cancers.
Why Is Chemotherapy Important?
✔ Can Cure or Control Cancer – Helps destroy tumors, slow cancer spread, or put it into remission.
✔ Used with Other Treatments – Often combined with surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy.
✔ Advancements in Personalized Medicine – New targeted and immunotherapies reduce side effects and improve outcomes.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy is a powerful tool in cancer treatment, attacking fast-growing cells to stop or slow the disease. While it can have side effects, advances in medicine are improving treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life.