About Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a widely used cancer treatment method that uses drugs to destroy or control cancer cells (1). It can be used in different stages of cancer care: before and/or after surgery and for early or advanced cancer. You may feel concerned about chemotherapy and seek to know how effective it can be, what recovery looks like, and its side effects. The goal of this article is to provide answers to any questions you might have.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to either kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Typically, it targets cells that divide rapidly and changes how these cells function (2). Since cancer cells are rapidly dividing, they readily get destroyed by chemotherapy. However, because some healthy cells also divide quickly, chemotherapy may also affect healthy cells, producing side effects. 

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles so that your body has some time to recover between treatments (3). These drugs can be administered in different ways, either intravenously, as oral tablets, or rarely as injections in the skin, muscle or into the spinal fluid. 

Chemotherapy is used for a number of cancers. It can be used on its own or in combination with other kinds of treatments. It's commonly used as treatment for:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Oesophageal and stomach cancers
• Soft tissue cancers
• Blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.

Chemotherapy is given in several ways. The most common methods are:

• Through a vein, which is accessed through the skin. The drug goes into the blood directly.
• As an injection into the skin or into a muscle: a needle is pushed into your skin, and sometimes deep enough to reach your muscle, and its contents are emptied there.
• Orally: here, pills are swallowed. They are absorbed by the gut and carried by blood to areas where they will work.
• Topically: applied on the skin like creams. This is typically used for skin cancers.

Intravenous chemotherapy is the most common type. It can be delivered into your vein through: 

• A needle that goes into your vein.
• A catheter
• A port
• An infusion pump, which controls how much of the drug goes into your vein over time (8).

Chemotherapy plans differ from person to person, depending on the type of cancer, the cancer stage, and your overall health. 

You may receive just one drug during your chemotherapy or receive a combination of many drugs.  

The effectiveness of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer it's used to treat and how well that cancer responds to treatment (9). Some tumours shrink considerably, while others just have a moderate response. Despite being effective, chemotherapy alone won't cure some cancers. It may have to be used in combination with other methods like surgery and radiotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a number of tests, and some imaging to see how well your chemotherapy is working. It's normal for you to feel some anxiety during your treatment with chemotherapy. Your medical team is there to give you the support you need. 

Not everyone feels the effects of chemotherapy the same way. Some of its side effects improve as soon as you are done with your chemo. Others can take a while. Some long-term effects of chemotherapy are fatigue, nerve changes, or fertility issues. It's important to receive follow-up care, where your team monitors your recovery and your overall health. Receiving enough support from healthcare professionals can help you manage side effects, support recovery, and maintain your overall well-being. 

Your body undergoes tremendous cellular stress during chemotherapy and needs all the attention and nutrition it can get. Although it can be more difficult to eat due to side effects like nausea, appetite changes and fatigue, try to: 

• Maintain adequate nutrition: Aim to include protein-rich and energy-dense foods throughout the day. Protein builds up tissue, and calories increase energy available for use. Eating small, frequent meals rather than one big one can help.
• Stay hydrated. Aim to stay well hydrated, as adequate fluid intake supports normal body functions and may help during treatment.
• Consider oral nutrition supplements: If eating enough becomes difficult, your doctor or dietitian may recommend oral nutrition supplements to help meet your energy and protein needs.

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs or chemical agents to treat cancer. These drugs work by disrupting the growth of cells that replicate fast. They can be given before surgery, after surgery, as palliative care, and as a stand-alone cure. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered through a vein, into a muscle, by mouth, or smeared across the skin.  The effectiveness of chemotherapy depends on the cancer it is used to treat, the stage treatment commences, and whether or not chemotherapy is used alone. Chemotherapy has a number of side effects. Speak to your doctor about any concerning symptoms, and support your body through the process by getting proper nutrition and hydration.