Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. It is given to patients either as tablets, or intravenously. Chemotherapy circulates in the bloodstream and can treat cancer cells throughout most of the body. Chemotherapy drugs target and destroy cells that are rapidly dividing, or growing. Sometimes normal cells can also be affected, which can cause side effects. It can be a standalone treatment or it can be part of a treatment plan that includes surgery and radiation therapy. It can can also be part of a palliative care plan.