How Does Chemotherapy Work?

Chemotherapy is one of the most common remedies used in fighting cancer of all types. It is generally used when the cancer cannot be removed with surgery due to where it is located or how far it has spread. The side effects of "chemo" as it is commonly called are not pleasant but can be overcome.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the administering of a drug or combination of drugs that will prevent the growth of cancer cells by killing them or preventing them from dividing and multiplying. The generally recognized drugs that are the most effective are the platinum-based drugs.

Is Chemotherapy used on all Cancers?

Yes it can be. However treatment to Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are not that effective when used alone if it has metastasized although it may prolong survival in some cases. It is the choice of drugs when used in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) due to the fact that in such cases the cancer is generally widespread in the body when diagnosed.

How is it Administered?

The administration of the drugs can be done as pills, an intravenous method or a combination of both. These drugs can be given in outpatient situations and usually are done that way.

Disadvantages of Chemotherapy

Unfortunately the drugs that kill the cancer cells in the body kill the normal cells as well. There are unpleasant side effects to this process. You may bleed or bruise easily. You may experience weight loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores and fatigue. These side effects will vary from patient to patient and there are medications you can take to lessen the effects. The effects usually disappear after the treatments stop.