What is Chemotherapy?
Key Takeaways
- Gain a deeper understanding of chemotherapy and its role in cancer treatment and outcomes.
- Discover the different types of chemotherapy and the methods used for administration.
- Learn how to mentally and physically prepare for the ongoing and cumulative effects of chemotherapy.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States, with the 5-year survival rate steadily improving thanks to advances in early detection and treatment. New gynecological cancer cases alone account for 119,000 cases.
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in cancer treatment, utilized either alone or in conjunction with other therapies to target and eliminate cancer cells. Thanks to advancements in medical research, over 100 chemotherapy medications have been developed, many of which are more effective and cause fewer side effects than earlier treatments.
As we explore the essential role chemotherapy plays in cancer care, we’ll break down how it works, the different types of chemotherapy, and what patients can expect throughout their treatment journey—from preparation to recovery. Understanding the science behind chemotherapy and how it integrates with other therapies can help patients feel more informed and empowered as they navigate their treatment options.
Definition of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. These drugs work by interfering with cancer cell division, preventing growth and spread. It’s often used in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation, making it a critical tool in the fight against cancer.
What does chemotherapy do in a patient’s body?
Chemotherapy can target cancer cells throughout the body, but it can also affect normal cells, which is why side effects like hair loss and nausea are common. Chemotherapy’s main goal is to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth by disrupting their ability to divide. The treatment circulates through the bloodstream, reaching cancer cells throughout the body, making it an effective option for cancers that have spread.
To visualize and better understand how chemotherapy works, watch this illustrated video from TED-ED:
How does chemotherapy work exactly?
Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting specific phases in the cancer cell’s life cycle. They can disrupt cell division, prevent DNA replication, or damage the cell’s ability to repair itself. The drugs are typically administered intravenously or orally, allowing them to reach tumors and abnormal growths. By targeting cells that grow quickly, chemotherapy slows or halts the cancer’s spread.
Is chemotherapy alone enough to eradicate my cancer?
Chemotherapy alone is rarely sufficient to completely eradicate cancer. It is often part of a broader treatment strategy, used alongside surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy. The combination of therapies increases the likelihood of successful cancer treatment by addressing the cancer from multiple angles. Your oncologist will tailor a treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer.
Difference between chemotherapy and radiation
Chemotherapy and radiation are both used to treat cancer, but they work differently. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, while radiation uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells in a specific area. Chemotherapy is often systemic, meaning it travels through the bloodstream, while radiation is localized, typically focusing on a tumor site. They can be used together for better outcomes.
Is all chemotherapy the same?
Chemotherapy treatments vary based on cancer type, stage, and location. While chemotherapy drugs are generally similar in how they work, there are different methods of delivery and administration to target specific cancer cells. These variations allow oncologists to tailor treatment plans to maximize effectiveness. Each patient’s treatment is individualized to their unique needs.
Chemotherapy Drugs: Types and How They Work
Chemotherapy drugs are categorized based on how they work in the body or the type of cancer they treat. Some of the most common types include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, and taxanes. These drugs interfere with the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide, which is how they stop cancer from spreading.
- Alkylating agents work by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells. This prevents them from reproducing and growing. They are used for various cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
- Antimetabolites act like fake building blocks inside the cell, tricking the cancer cells into using them. This disrupts the cell’s normal processes and prevents it from growing. These are often used to treat cancers like breast cancer, colon cancer, and some leukemias.
- Taxanes, such as paclitaxel, target cell division. They prevent cancer cells from properly dividing and multiplying, making it impossible for tumors to grow. These drugs are commonly used for cancers like breast, ovarian, and lung cancer.
Chemotherapy can also include targeted therapies—a newer class of drugs that specifically attack cancer cells in a more focused way. These drugs work by blocking specific molecules needed for cancer cell growth. For example, anthracyclines like doxorubicin damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying.
Each chemotherapy drug or combination is chosen based on the cancer type, its stage, and how the drugs are expected to interact with your body. The goal is to tailor the treatment to be as effective as possible while minimizing side effects.
Chemotherapy Administration Methods
Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways at Fort Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology, with the method depending on the type of cancer and the treatment plan.
- Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy is the most common method, where drugs are delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein or port.
- Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity to target cancers within the peritoneum, often used for cancers like ovarian cancer.
- A specialized approach, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity during surgery. This method enhances the effectiveness of the drugs, allowing them to better target the cancer.
Each of these methods ensures that the drugs reach the cancer cells more directly, improving treatment outcomes.
Understanding Chemotherapy Treatment Cycles
Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles, with rest periods in between to allow the body to recover. A typical cycle may last anywhere from one to several weeks, depending on the type of chemotherapy and the individual’s response to treatment. These cycles are designed to maximize the impact on cancer cells while minimizing the damage to healthy cells. During rest periods, healthy cells recover, and patients often experience fewer side effects. Oncologists carefully plan treatment schedules based on the drug’s effectiveness and the patient’s health. This cyclical approach helps to ensure chemotherapy’s effectiveness while managing its side effects.
Questions to Ask Your Physician
Before starting chemotherapy, ask your doctor about the treatment plan, potential side effects, and how it might affect your daily life. Key questions include:
- What type of chemotherapy will I be receiving?
- What are the expected side effects?
- How can I manage those side effects?
- How will chemotherapy impact my daily activities?
- What are the treatment goals?
How to Prepare for Chemotherapy
Preparing for chemotherapy involves understanding your treatment plan and its potential impact. Steps include:
- Discussing concerns with your oncologist
- Arranging transportation to and from appointments
- Managing health insurance details
- Preparing mentally and emotionally for treatment
- Some treatment can take hours, plan to bring a book, iPad or activity
- Following instructions on diet and medication
- Write down the chemotherapy name and keep it in your wallet
What to do After Chemotherapy
Post-treatment, it’s crucial to monitor your health. Tips for aftercare include:
- Resting to recover from fatigue
- Hydrating and eating well to support your body
- Following up with your doctor to track progress
- Keeping a journal of any symptoms or changes
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy side effects can vary widely from patient to patient, depending on factors like the type of cancer and the specific chemotherapy drugs used. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, increased risk of infections, and changes in appetite or taste. However, not all patients experience these effects, and some may have different reactions based on their individual circumstances.
What Are the Risks of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can carry risks, which vary from person to person. These risks can include damage to healthy cells, a weakened immune system leading to increased susceptibility to infections, fertility issues, and, in some cases, long-term heart or lung damage. How these risks affect an individual depends on various factors such as the type of cancer, the chemotherapy drugs used, and the patient’s overall health.
Factoring in Support
Support plays a vital role during chemotherapy. Whether it’s through family and friends, cancer support groups, professional counselors, or oncology social workers, having the right support system can make a significant difference in navigating treatment. In addition to support from family and friends, engaging in art, pet or music therapy can lift mood and lower stress levels. Each patient’s experience is unique, so the type of support required may differ.
If you’re a person who has difficulty asking others for help, read this post, “Asking for Help,” from the American Association for Cancer Research. https://www.cancertodaymag.org/spring2015/asking-for-help-during-cancer-treatment/
Impact on Quality of Life
Chemotherapy can impact a patient’s quality of life, though its effects vary based on the individual and the type of cancer. It’s important to recognize that you have some control over this. Managing side effects through practices like light physical activity, relaxation techniques, and seeking emotional support from loved ones can help improve your well-being during treatment. However, many cancer patients tend to focus solely on the logistics of recovery—appointments, treatments, and tests—often overlooking the importance of emotional care. It’s crucial to remember to make time for things that bring joy and comfort. Taking moments to recharge and nourish your spirit will help you build the strength needed to continue your journey.
In Conclusion
Fort Wayne Gynecologic Oncology and Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology offer comprehensive chemotherapy services at their facility, streamlining the treatment process and minimizing the need for patients to visit multiple locations. Our compassionate, patient-centered approach ensures that patients receive expert care, emotional support, and practical guidance throughout every step of treatment. With access to the latest treatments and a dedicated team focused on each patient’s well-being, we are the ideal place for those undergoing chemotherapy, providing a family-like atmosphere, convenience, and the highest level of care.