Chemotherapy is a systemic cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy or slow the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. It circulates throughout the body via the bloodstream, making it effective for cancers that have spread (metastasized).
How Chemotherapy Works
Targets fast-dividing cells (a key trait of cancer).
Damages DNA or disrupts cell division to stop tumor growth.
Affects some healthy cells (like hair follicles, digestive lining), causing side effects.
Common Uses of Chemotherapy
✔ Primary Treatment: For cancers highly sensitive to drugs (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma).
✔ Adjuvant Therapy: Kills residual cells after surgery/radiation. ✔ Neoadjuvant Therapy: Shrinks tumors before surgery (e.g., breast cancer). ✔ Palliative Care: Eases symptoms in advanced cancer.
Types of Chemotherapy Drugs
Category
Example Drugs
How They Work
Alkylating Agents
Cyclophosphamide
Damage the DNA to prevent replication
Antimetabolites
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Mimic nutrients to starve cells
Plant Alkaloids
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Block cell division
Targeted Therapy
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Attack specific cancer markers
Typical Treatment Plan
Cycles: Drugs given in intervals (e.g., 3 weeks on, 1 week off) to let healthy cells recover.
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