BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuChemotherapyCancer chemotherapy; Cancer drug therapy; Cytotoxic chemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancer Shrink the cancer Prevent the cancer from spreading Relieve symptoms the cancer may be causing Information HOW CHEMOTHERAPY IS GIVENDepending on the type of cancer and where it is found, chemotherapy drugs may be given different ways, including:Injections or shots into the muscles Injections or shots under the skin Into an artery Into a vein (intravenous, or IV) Pills taken by mouth Shots into the fluid around the spinal cord or brain When chemotherapy is given over a longer period, a thin catheter can be placed into a large vein near the heart. This is called a central line. The catheter is placed during a minor surgery.There are many types of catheters, including:Central venous catheter Central venous catheter with a port Central venous catheter with a portA central venous catheter is a thin tube that goes into a vein in your arm or chest and ends at the right side of your heart (right atrium). If the c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) A central line can stay in the body over a long period of time. It will need to be flushed on a weekly to monthly basis to prevent blood clots from forming inside the central line.FlushedYou have a central venous catheter. This is a tube that goes into a vein in your chest or neck and ends at your heart. It helps carry nutrients or ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Different chemotherapy drugs may be given at the same time or after each other. Radiation therapy may be received before, after, or during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is most often given in cycles. These cycles may last 1 day, several days, or a few weeks or more. There will usually be a rest period when no chemotherapy is given between each cycle. A rest period may last for days, weeks, or months. This allows the body and blood counts to recover before the next dose.Often, chemotherapy is given at a special clinic or at the hospital. Some people are able to receive chemotherapy in their home. If home chemotherapy is given, home health nurses will help with the medicine and IVs. The person getting the chemotherapy and their family members will receive special training. DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEMOTHERAPY The different types of chemotherapy include:Different types of chemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of medicine to treat cancer. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. It may be used to cure cancer, help keep it from spreading, o...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Standard chemotherapy, which works by killing cancer cells and some normal cells.SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPYBecause these medicines travel through the blood to the entire body, chemotherapy is described as a bodywide treatment.As a result, chemotherapy may damage or kill some normal cells. These include bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the lining of the mouth and the digestive tract.When this damage occurs, there can be side effects. Some people who receive chemotherapy:Are more likely to have infections Become tired more easily Bleed too much, even during everyday activities Bleed too muchYour bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Feel pain or numbness from nerve damage Have a dry mouth, mouth sores, or swelling in the mouth Dry mouthSome cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth. Take good care of your mouth during your cancer treatment. Follow the measures outlined b...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling in the mouthOral mucositis is tissue swelling and irritation in the mouth. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may cause mucositis. Follow your health care provi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Have a poor appetite or lose weight Poor appetite or lose weightIf you are sick or undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so you do not l...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Have an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea Lose their hair Have problems with thinking and memory ("chemo brain") Side effects of chemotherapy depend on many things, including the type of cancer and which drugs are being used. Each person reacts differently to these drugs. Some newer chemotherapy drugs that better target cancer cells may cause fewer or different side effects.Your health care provider will explain what you can do at home to prevent or treat side effects. These measures include:At homeYou had chemotherapy treatment for your cancer. Your risk for infection, bleeding, and skin problems may be high. To stay healthy after chemotherap...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Being careful with pets and other animals to avoid catching infections from them Eating enough calories and protein to keep your weight up Preventing bleeding, and what to do if bleeding occurs Eating and drinking safely EatingWhen you have cancer, you need good nutrition to help keep your body strong. To do this, you need to be aware of the foods you eat and how you prepa...Read Article Now Book Mark Article DrinkingDuring and right after your cancer treatment, your body may not be able to protect itself against infections. Germs can be in water, even when it lo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Washing your hands often with soap and water You will need to have follow-up visits with your provider during and after chemotherapy. Blood tests and imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRI, CT, or PET scans will be done to:MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PETA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Monitor how well the chemotherapy is working Watch for damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood, and other parts of the body Test Your Chemotherapy KnowledgeThe goal of chemotherapy is to: A. Cure cancer B. Keep cancer from spreading C. Relieve cancer symptoms D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Chemotherapy refers to cancer-killing medicines. These medicines can sometimes offer a cure. But even in incurable cases, chemotherapy can help slow the spread of cancer and relieve symptoms.Chemotherapy is the best treatment for all forms of cancer. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Doctors often treat early-stage cancer without chemotherapy. Surgery followed by radiation therapy is standard for many early-stage cancers, including breast cancer. Your oncologist will recommend a treatment strategy based on the type and stage of your cancer.Chemotherapy is given by: A. Injection B. Mouth C. Intravenous line (IV) D. Any of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is any of the above. How you receive chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and where it is found. If you need chemotherapy for a long period of time, doctors can put a thin catheter, called a central line, into a large vein. The catheter stays in place throughout treatment to make it easier to deliver the medicine.Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Chemotherapy is most often given in cycles. These cycles may last one day, several days, a few weeks, or more. There will usually be a rest period with no chemotherapy between each cycle. A rest period may last for days, weeks, or months. This allows your body to recover before the next dose.Taking vitamins and dietary supplements during chemotherapy: A. Is always a good idea B. Is always dangerous C. May be OK if you check with your doctor Correct Answer The correct answer is that supplements may be OK if you check with your doctor. Some vitamins, minerals, or herbs may change how chemotherapy affects your body. Make a list of any supplements you want to take and discuss it with your doctor.Besides attacking cancer cells, chemotherapy may damage healthy cells in the: A. Hair B. Lining of the digestive tract C. Bone marrow D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Chemotherapy medicines travel throughout your entire body. This means they may damage or kill some normal cells. Depending on which cells are damaged, side effects may include hair loss, nausea, anemia, fatigue, and greater risk of infection.If you lose your hair during chemotherapy, it will never grow back. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. If you lose your hair, it will most likely grow back 2 to 3 months after you finish chemotherapy. But it may not look the same as your old hair. It may have a different texture or color. Losing your hair can be difficult. Talk with your doctor about ways to deal with hair loss.To cope with a poor appetite during chemotherapy: A. Eat low-calorie foods B. Only eat when you are hungry C. Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day Correct Answer The correct answer is eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. Get the most out of each small meal by eating foods that are high in calories and protein. Set a schedule for your meals and eat even if you aren't hungry. Eating well helps your body fight your cancer.To prevent infections during or soon after chemotherapy: A. Be careful what you eat or drink B. Wash your hands often C. Stay away from crowds and people who are sick D. Be careful with pets and animals E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Chemotherapy can make you more vulnerable to infection. Protect yourself by avoiding raw foods, unsanitary water, and crowds. Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after handling food or doing housework.It's impossible to work while receiving chemotherapy. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Many people continue working during chemotherapy. It helps if you can work from home or take a day off when your energy is low. State or federal laws may require your employer to let you adjust your work schedule during chemotherapy.Open ReferencesReferencesCollins JM. Cancer pharmacology. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 25.Doroshow JH. Approach to the patient with cancer. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 169.National Cancer Institute website. Chemotherapy to treat cancer. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy. Updated April 29, 2015. Accessed June 29, 2022.AllVideoImagesTogImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationImmune system structures - illustration The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.Immune system structuresillustrationTalking to your MD Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctorRelated Information Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)After chemotherapy - discharge(Discharge) Review Date: 4/29/2022 Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
ChemotherapyCancer chemotherapy; Cancer drug therapy; Cytotoxic chemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancer Shrink the cancer Prevent the cancer from spreading Relieve symptoms the cancer may be causing Information HOW CHEMOTHERAPY IS GIVENDepending on the type of cancer and where it is found, chemotherapy drugs may be given different ways, including:Injections or shots into the muscles Injections or shots under the skin Into an artery Into a vein (intravenous, or IV) Pills taken by mouth Shots into the fluid around the spinal cord or brain When chemotherapy is given over a longer period, a thin catheter can be placed into a large vein near the heart. This is called a central line. The catheter is placed during a minor surgery.There are many types of catheters, including:Central venous catheter Central venous catheter with a port Central venous catheter with a portA central venous catheter is a thin tube that goes into a vein in your arm or chest and ends at the right side of your heart (right atrium). If the c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) A central line can stay in the body over a long period of time. It will need to be flushed on a weekly to monthly basis to prevent blood clots from forming inside the central line.FlushedYou have a central venous catheter. This is a tube that goes into a vein in your chest or neck and ends at your heart. It helps carry nutrients or ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Different chemotherapy drugs may be given at the same time or after each other. Radiation therapy may be received before, after, or during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is most often given in cycles. These cycles may last 1 day, several days, or a few weeks or more. There will usually be a rest period when no chemotherapy is given between each cycle. A rest period may last for days, weeks, or months. This allows the body and blood counts to recover before the next dose.Often, chemotherapy is given at a special clinic or at the hospital. Some people are able to receive chemotherapy in their home. If home chemotherapy is given, home health nurses will help with the medicine and IVs. The person getting the chemotherapy and their family members will receive special training. DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEMOTHERAPY The different types of chemotherapy include:Different types of chemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of medicine to treat cancer. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. It may be used to cure cancer, help keep it from spreading, o...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Standard chemotherapy, which works by killing cancer cells and some normal cells.SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPYBecause these medicines travel through the blood to the entire body, chemotherapy is described as a bodywide treatment.As a result, chemotherapy may damage or kill some normal cells. These include bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the lining of the mouth and the digestive tract.When this damage occurs, there can be side effects. Some people who receive chemotherapy:Are more likely to have infections Become tired more easily Bleed too much, even during everyday activities Bleed too muchYour bone marrow makes cells called platelets. These cells keep you from bleeding too much by helping your blood clot. Chemotherapy, radiation, and...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Feel pain or numbness from nerve damage Have a dry mouth, mouth sores, or swelling in the mouth Dry mouthSome cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth. Take good care of your mouth during your cancer treatment. Follow the measures outlined b...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling in the mouthOral mucositis is tissue swelling and irritation in the mouth. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may cause mucositis. Follow your health care provi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Have a poor appetite or lose weight Poor appetite or lose weightIf you are sick or undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so you do not l...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Have an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea Lose their hair Have problems with thinking and memory ("chemo brain") Side effects of chemotherapy depend on many things, including the type of cancer and which drugs are being used. Each person reacts differently to these drugs. Some newer chemotherapy drugs that better target cancer cells may cause fewer or different side effects.Your health care provider will explain what you can do at home to prevent or treat side effects. These measures include:At homeYou had chemotherapy treatment for your cancer. Your risk for infection, bleeding, and skin problems may be high. To stay healthy after chemotherap...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Being careful with pets and other animals to avoid catching infections from them Eating enough calories and protein to keep your weight up Preventing bleeding, and what to do if bleeding occurs Eating and drinking safely EatingWhen you have cancer, you need good nutrition to help keep your body strong. To do this, you need to be aware of the foods you eat and how you prepa...Read Article Now Book Mark Article DrinkingDuring and right after your cancer treatment, your body may not be able to protect itself against infections. Germs can be in water, even when it lo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Washing your hands often with soap and water You will need to have follow-up visits with your provider during and after chemotherapy. Blood tests and imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRI, CT, or PET scans will be done to:MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PETA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Monitor how well the chemotherapy is working Watch for damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood, and other parts of the body Test Your Chemotherapy KnowledgeThe goal of chemotherapy is to: A. Cure cancer B. Keep cancer from spreading C. Relieve cancer symptoms D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Chemotherapy refers to cancer-killing medicines. These medicines can sometimes offer a cure. But even in incurable cases, chemotherapy can help slow the spread of cancer and relieve symptoms.Chemotherapy is the best treatment for all forms of cancer. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Doctors often treat early-stage cancer without chemotherapy. Surgery followed by radiation therapy is standard for many early-stage cancers, including breast cancer. Your oncologist will recommend a treatment strategy based on the type and stage of your cancer.Chemotherapy is given by: A. Injection B. Mouth C. Intravenous line (IV) D. Any of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is any of the above. How you receive chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and where it is found. If you need chemotherapy for a long period of time, doctors can put a thin catheter, called a central line, into a large vein. The catheter stays in place throughout treatment to make it easier to deliver the medicine.Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Chemotherapy is most often given in cycles. These cycles may last one day, several days, a few weeks, or more. There will usually be a rest period with no chemotherapy between each cycle. A rest period may last for days, weeks, or months. This allows your body to recover before the next dose.Taking vitamins and dietary supplements during chemotherapy: A. Is always a good idea B. Is always dangerous C. May be OK if you check with your doctor Correct Answer The correct answer is that supplements may be OK if you check with your doctor. Some vitamins, minerals, or herbs may change how chemotherapy affects your body. Make a list of any supplements you want to take and discuss it with your doctor.Besides attacking cancer cells, chemotherapy may damage healthy cells in the: A. Hair B. Lining of the digestive tract C. Bone marrow D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Chemotherapy medicines travel throughout your entire body. This means they may damage or kill some normal cells. Depending on which cells are damaged, side effects may include hair loss, nausea, anemia, fatigue, and greater risk of infection.If you lose your hair during chemotherapy, it will never grow back. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. If you lose your hair, it will most likely grow back 2 to 3 months after you finish chemotherapy. But it may not look the same as your old hair. It may have a different texture or color. Losing your hair can be difficult. Talk with your doctor about ways to deal with hair loss.To cope with a poor appetite during chemotherapy: A. Eat low-calorie foods B. Only eat when you are hungry C. Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day Correct Answer The correct answer is eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. Get the most out of each small meal by eating foods that are high in calories and protein. Set a schedule for your meals and eat even if you aren't hungry. Eating well helps your body fight your cancer.To prevent infections during or soon after chemotherapy: A. Be careful what you eat or drink B. Wash your hands often C. Stay away from crowds and people who are sick D. Be careful with pets and animals E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Chemotherapy can make you more vulnerable to infection. Protect yourself by avoiding raw foods, unsanitary water, and crowds. Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after handling food or doing housework.It's impossible to work while receiving chemotherapy. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Many people continue working during chemotherapy. It helps if you can work from home or take a day off when your energy is low. State or federal laws may require your employer to let you adjust your work schedule during chemotherapy.Open ReferencesReferencesCollins JM. Cancer pharmacology. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 25.Doroshow JH. Approach to the patient with cancer. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 169.National Cancer Institute website. Chemotherapy to treat cancer. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy. Updated April 29, 2015. Accessed June 29, 2022.