Chemotherapy

Using powerful drugs to target and destroy cancer cells, chemotherapy is a widely used treatment capable of dramatic results. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery, immunotherapy or radiation therapy. Though many chemotherapies have side effects, our doctors are finding ways to reduce them, while capitalizing on the life-saving impact they can make.

Since cancer cells grow and divide quickly, chemotherapy targets them to stop their spread.

Chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. It stops cancer cells from growing and multiplying, either by damaging their DNA or disrupting their life cycle. While chemotherapy can be very powerful, it does affect the entire body. This means that chemotherapy side effects may also impact fast-growing healthy cells, like those in the hair, skin, and digestive system.

It’s important to discuss these potential side effects with your doctor to manage them effectively throughout treatment.

Chemotherapy can be given in different ways depending on your cancer type and treatment plan. It may be delivered as a pill (oral), injection (under the skin or into the muscle), IV (into a vein), or applied directly to the skin (topical).

A more specialized form called Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity after surgery to target remaining cancer cells.

Treatment cycles

To reduce the damage to healthy cells and allow them to recover, chemotherapy can be given in daily, weekly, or monthly cycles.

Side effects

Chemotherapy side effects vary based on the drugs and treatment schedule. Common effects may include:

• Altered taste and smell
• Changes to hair, skin, and nails
• Cognitive changes
• Extreme tiredness
• Nausea
• Nerve damage
• Reproductive changes
• Reduced interest in sexual activity
• Throwing up

Side effects differ for everyone, so discussing management with your doctor is essential.