What is Chemotherapy?
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs designed to slow or stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body. The drugs may be used:
- As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells
- Before another treatment to shrink a tumor
- After another treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells
- To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer
Systemic Chemotherapy vs. Regional Chemotherapy
When chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body, it is known as systemic chemotherapy. When chemotherapy drugs are directed to a specific area of the body, it is called regional chemotherapy. Medical oncologists are experienced in delivering these targeted, individualized chemotherapy options while also proactively managing side effects.