|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of special drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs are usually carried in the blood throughout the body to reach cancer cells wherever they occur.
There are many different anti-cancer drugs - they all interfere with the ability of cancer cells to divide and reproduce themselves. The affected cells become damaged and eventually die. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given by mouth or injection. They are absorbed into the blood and travel around the body to reach cancer cells wherever they are. A combination of different drugs may be used to maximise the destruction of cancer cells. Chemotherapy treatments are usually given multiple times with rest periods in between to allow your body to recover. The drugs damage all cells that are multiplying rapidly, which includes some normal cells such as hair roots, bone marrow and the lining of the intestine. Normal cells are able to repair themselves so any damage is usually temporary. Cancer cells find it harder to recover so repeated treatments kills more cancer tissue. If chemotherapy kills all the cancer cells, the cancer is in remission and potentially curable. The cure rates vary depending on the type of cancer. In many cancers, cure is unlikely and then chemotherapy may be given to shrink the cancer, prolong life and relieve symptoms. Find out more
 Top |
Info & support 
