Chemotherapy: Definition, Types & Uses - A Comprehensive Guide

Chemotherapy, often shortened to chemo, is the use of strong chemical drugs to destroy fast-growing cells, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat cancer because cancerous cells typically grow and multiply very quickly.

Forms

• While most chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously, they can also be given through pills and injections. Skin cancer patients typically use gels and creams containing chemotherapy drugs.

Types

• Adjuvant chemotherapy destroys cancer cells lingering after surgery, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinks tumors before surgery or radiation treatments. Palliative chemotherapy relieves pain and other cancer symptoms.

Benefits

• Chemotherapy treatments spread throughout the entire body. The chemicals can destroy cancerous cells that have spread away from the primary tumor.

Short-Term Side Effects

• Common short-lasting side effects of chemotherapy drugs include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, hair loss and diarrhea. These side effects typically subside once treatment is over.

Long-Term Side Effects

• Chemotherapy treatment sometimes causes side effects that aren't evident until treatment is completed. Long-lasting side effects include lung tissue damage, nerve damage, infertility and heart and kidney problems.