Chemo is considered a systemic therapy. Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy and you: Support for people with cancer. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause side effects that don't become evident until months or years after treatment. Accessed Sept. 26, 2019. It targets cells that grow and divide quickly, as cancer cells do. To stay logged in, please refresh the page or, if you are working on a form, click on the submit button to save your work. Make sure to read your health insurance policy to find out exactly what it will and won’t pay for, and whether you can go to a doctor that you choose for your chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Your doctor chooses which chemotherapy drugs you'll receive based on several factors, including: Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. It usually is used to treat patients with cancer that has spread from the place in the body where it started (metastasized). We value your privacy. See more. Have a friend or family member drive you to your first treatment. This content does not have an English version. That doesn't mean chemo has no benefit. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, See our safety precautions in response to COVID-19, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, Cancer treatment during COVID-19: How to move ahead safely, Cancer treatment for men: Possible sexual side effects, Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment. Chemotherapy is sometimes needed to kill any leftover cancer cells. Learn about signs of edema, including swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs. But to most people, the word chemotherapy (or "chemo") means drugs used for cancer treatment. The goal of chemo is to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can shrink a primary tumor, kill cancer cells that may have … The term chemotherapy often refers to a kind of treatment for cancer in which chemicals are administered to destroy cancer cells. Chemo can cure many types of early cancer. Early menopause. Palliative treatment is designed to relieve symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Chemo can help cure cancer, prevent cancer from spreading, and relieve symptoms caused by cancer. You may get chemo at home, in your healthcare provider's office, in a clinic, or in a hospital. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available. Nov. 25, 2019. It usually stays in place until all your treatment cycles are finished. Needle: Drugs may be sent through a thin needle in a vein on your hand or lower arm. Then your medical team will likely plan a new cycle to help you get back on track. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Allscripts EPSi. In some cases, employers are required by law to adjust your schedule when you have cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body.Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body.Many different chemotherapy drugs are available. In some cases, people are treated with a single type of chemotherapy. It can also be used to reduce or control the side effects of cancer treatments. During this time, it may help to get some help with meals and child care, if necessary. Q. This helps attack the cancer in … NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms provides easy-to-understand definitions for words and phrases related to cancer and medicine. Chemotherapy treatment schedules vary. Chemotherapy treatments can be given: You'll meet with your cancer doctor (oncologist) regularly during chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Most side effects subside after treatment ends. The truth is chemotherapy isn't only for cancer patients, and affects each patient differently depending on how it is used. My 68-year-old husband was diagnosed with lung cancer, had radiation and chemo, and is currently in remission. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. A list of chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. Most cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are given IV (into a vein) or IM (into muscle). When is chemotherapy used? It uses certain drugs to kill cancer cells or to stop them from growing and spreading … This can be chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, and any new therapies yet to be developed. (2) The stage of the cancer, the side effects of the chemo, the benefits of the chemo are all part of the equation and should all be considered when making a decision. Also called “chemo,” it’s a way to treat cancer that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. There’s no way to know for sure. Make a donation. This means it may affect your entire body. Within a single type of cancer, such as breast cancer, researchers are discovering subtypes that each requires a different treatment approach. Once a cycle has been planned out, it’s better not to skip a treatment, but your doctor may suggest it if side effects are serious. National Cancer Institute. Cells can’t live without DNA and die off when they’re deprived of it. In fact, some even kill themselves when their DNA is damaged. Sometimes, it treats cancer by itself, but more often it’s used in combination with: You may have chemotherapy in “cycles,” which means a period of treatment and then a period of rest. Warner KJ. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. You may need to: Make arrangements for help at home and at work. Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. Some anticancer agents are taken orally (by mouth). Cancer Chemotherapy: MedlinePlus Health Topic - English Quimioterapia para el cáncer: Tema de salud de MedlinePlus - español (Spanish) If you need chemotherapy, a team of highly trained medical professionals will work together to give you the best possible care. The needle can be left in place for treatments that last more than a day. It can be used at any stage of an illness if there are troubling symptoms, such as pain or sickness. Skip Navigation. You may also view our chemotherapy drug list by drug name. While “A” doesn’t distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells, it has a greater negative effect on cancer cells since those cells are dividing so rapidly.The “C” part of th… https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/chemo-and-you. The acronyms listed below are some common chemotherapy regimens, by clicking on the acronym you will be given a list of medications associated with that regimen. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment where medicine is used to kill cancer cells. NIH National Cancer Institute: “Radiation Therapy for Cancer,” “Biological Therapies for Cancer,” “Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer.”, National Cancer Society: “What Is Targeted Cancer Therapy?”, OncoLink.org: “Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (IP Chemo).”. Tell your doctor if you notice any signs of infection around your port. Purpose The main purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. A nurse may insert a needle into your port to give you chemotherapy drugs or draw blood. Chemo is medicine used to shrink a tumor or kill cancer cells. Treatments like surgery and radiation can be categorized as “local treatments,” … Since ending his treatment, his personality has … https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/chemotherapy/what-expect-when-having-chemotherapy. Though chemotherapy is an effective way to treat many types of cancer, chemotherapy treatment also carries a risk of side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy drugs include: Many of these side effects can be prevented or treated. Even when chemo can't cure people, it can often give them … Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Chemotherapy for Cancer - Chemotherapy: How It Works and How You'll Feel, Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments, 10 Things You Didn't Know About Chemotherapy, How Chemotherapy Affects Your Body After Treatment, Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions, Moving Forward After You're Done With Chemotherapy, Understanding Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shrink a tumor before radiation therapy or surgery -- called neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or radiation therapy -- called adjuvant chemotherapy, Make other therapies (biological or radiation) more effective, Destroy cancer cells that return or spread to other parts of your body, The goal of treatment: cure, control growth, or ease, The way your body responds to the treatment. Niederhuber JE, et al., eds. All rights reserved. If a cancer responds to the chemotherapy, meaning it shrinks or vanishes after a person receives the chemo drugs, the cancer is described as "chemosensitive." Ask your doctor or chemotherapy nurses how to prepare for chemotherapy. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells anywhere in the body. Chemotherapy refers to the use of any drug to treat any disease. Chemotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination to treat a wide variety of cancers. Chemo … See our safety precautions in response to COVID-19. With infusion chemo, you go to the hospital for a few hours of … Depending on your situation, you may also undergo scans and other tests to monitor your cancer during chemotherapy treatment. It depends on the kind of cancer you have and how far along it is. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Chemotherapy (often abbreviated to chemo and sometimes CTX or CTx) is a type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) as part of a standardized chemotherapy regimen.Chemotherapy may be given with a curative intent (which almost always involves combinations of drugs), or it may aim to prolong life or to reduce symptoms (palliative chemotherapy). But it can also affect some fast-growing healthy cells, like those of the skin, hair, intestines, and bone marrow. These tests can give your doctor an idea of how your cancer is responding to treatment, and your treatment may be adjusted accordingly. Chemotherapy Definition Chemotherapy is treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs. Chemotherapy (chemo) is a type of treatment that includes a medication or combination of medications to treat cancer. Study finds new way to make chemotherapy more effective against pancreatic cancer, Genetically manipulating protein level in colon cancer cells can improve effectiveness of chemotherapy, Mayo Clinic study finds, In the Loop: How fruit flies are helping cancer patients, Alternative chemotherapy offers hope for late-stage cancers, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Accessed Oct. 1, 2019. You may carry this pump with you, or a surgeon may place it under your skin. It’s common to feel ill or very tired after chemotherapy. American College of Rheumatology. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing, since many can be controlled. It’s linked to a tube (catheter) that connects to a large vein, usually in your chest. (3) The internet is a wealth of knowledge, but it's also a wealth of garbage. Chemotherapy is a widely used class of drugs to treat many different disorders including, but not limited to: cancers, blood disorders, and a … On days you don’t feel well, you may want to see if you can work fewer hours or work from home. Eating during cancer treatment: Tips to make food tastier, Get ready for possible side effects of chemotherapy, Infographic: Scalp Cooling Therapy for Cancer, Safe cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chemotherapy: using chemicals to kill cancer cells; Radiation therapy: using X-rays to kill cancer cells The same cancer type in one individual is very different from that cancer in another individual. A social worker may be able to help you learn about what the law allows. Each drug has different side effects, and not every drug causes every side effect. Your doctor can tell you in general how much the chemotherapy will affect your usual activities, but it's difficult to predict exactly how you'll feel. Your doctor puts one end into a large vein, often in your chest area. Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells in people with cancer. The rest allows your body to make new healthy cells. Cancer.Net. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). What to expect when having chemotherapy. Watch for signs of infection around your catheter. The “A” part of this “chemo cocktail” blocks DNA production in your cells, and inhibits the enzymes responsible for repairing DNA. This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication. Port: It’s a small disc that a surgeon places under your skin. Catheter: It’s a soft, thin tube. Chemotherapy side effects: A cause of heart disease? Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the ovaries and … At the end of that period if there is no residual disease that can be identified on cli… Tell your doctor right away if you feel pain or burning during treatment. Learn about short-term effects of chemotherapy.. The prevention or treatment of disease by the administration of drugs; specif., the treatment of cancer by means of a regimen of cytotoxins or other anti-cancer drugs. Your genes may also play a part. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Occasionally, chemo may be given directly into the spinal fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. It depends on your overall health, the type of cancer you have, how far along it is, and the amount and type of chemotherapy drugs. Your user session will expire in 2 minutes. Prepare for your first treatment. It depends on the type of chemotherapy, how much you get, and how often you get it. Also called “ chemo,” it’s a way to treat cancer that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Together you can decide what's right for you. But often, people get more than one type of chemotherapy at a time. There are no standards for establishing chemotherapy acronyms so there is a lack of consistency. It depends on the work that you do and on how you feel. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease. Ask your doctor if you'll need time off work or help around your home after treatment. This content does not have an Arabic version. Getting a cancer diagnosis has the potential to completely upend your world. The other end stays outside your body and is used to deliver chemotherapy or other drugs, or to draw blood. But the first time you may find that the medications make you sleepy or cause other side effects that make driving difficult. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells anywhere in the body. Accessed Oct. 1, 2019. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in different ways, including: Your doctor determines how often you'll receive chemotherapy treatments based on what drugs you'll receive, the characteristics of your cancer and how well your body recovers after each treatment. Some chemotherapy side effects are mild and treatable, while others can cause serious complications. Accessed Oct. 1, 2019. It also depends on where you live, and whether you get treatment at home, in an office clinic, or during a hospital stay. It usually is used to treat patients with cancer that has spread from the place in the body where it started (metastasized). It targets cells that grow and divide quickly, as cancer cells do. Common long-term side effects of chemotherapy include early menopause and weight gain.Rare side effects include heart problems and leukemia.. How you prepare for chemotherapy depends on which drugs you'll receive and how they'll be administered. Ask your doctor for the details of your chemotherapy treatments so that you can make arrangements for work, children, pets or other commitments. After treatment completion, a period of time is allowed to go by so the maximum effect is achieved, with the tumor shrinking or the malignant cells dying. They stop cancer cells reproducing, which prevents them from growing and spreading in the body. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment? At home, such as when taking chemotherapy pills. Click the drug name to learn how it works and common side effects. Not all chemo drugs cause hair loss. Ask what signs and symptoms you should be aware of that may signal a problem. Ask your doctor about the side effects of the particular drugs you'll receive. Most chemotherapy treatments are given in an outpatient clinic, which means most people are able to continue working and doing their usual activities during chemotherapy. Late side effects vary depending on the chemotherapy drug but can include: Ask your doctor if you have a risk of any late side effects. Chemotherapy (chemo) uses anti-cancer drugs that may be given intravenously (injected into your vein) or by mouth. The swelling may be caused by chemotherapy, cancer, and conditions not related to cancer. On the flip side, if a cancer is "chemorefractory," it does not shrink or vanish in response to the administered chemo drugs. It's important to know that not all medicines and drugs to treat cancer work the same way. Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in your body’s tissues. 6th ed. You should also plan to rest on the day of and the day after treatment. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for your chemotherapy treatments. Where you'll receive your chemotherapy treatments depends on your situation. There are a variety of settings in which chemotherapy may be used in people with cancer: Some chemotherapy drugs have proved useful in treating other conditions, such as: Side effects of chemotherapy drugs can be significant. Although starting treatment like chemotherapy can be reassuring, it can also be confusing and scary. It may be used to cure cancer, help keep it from spreading, or reduce symptoms. Pump: Often attached to catheters or ports, it controls the amount of chemotherapy drugs, and how fast they get into your body. Medical Definition of chemotherapy : the therapeutic use of chemical agents to treat disease Pyrazinamide is one of the most important drugs in modern chemotherapy of … Purpose The main purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Also called " chemo " for short. Your team may include the following people: Medical oncologist. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. Your oncologist works with other team members to make your treatment plan. For example, a 4-week cycle may be 1 week of treatment and then 3 weeks of rest. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Chemo definition, chemotherapy or a chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy Definition Chemotherapy is treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs. Unlike radiation or surgery, which target specific areas, chemo can work throughout your body. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Treatments/Cyclophosphamide-Cytoxan. Your doctor may be able to help you manage some of the more severe side effects of chemotherapy. That’s what causes some of the side effects from the treatment. Cancer pharmacology. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells in most parts of the body. When you are diagnosed with cancer, you will be assigned to a course of treatment. Adjuvant Chemotherapy Curative chemotherapy aims to “cure the cancer,” meaning it is intended to eliminate all cancerous cells, resulting in what doctors call “complete remission.” The majority of patients receiving chemotherapy with the goal of cure are receiving chemotherapy as well as surgery or radiation. Your nurse inserts the needle and removes it when treatment is done. You can prepare for this by getting someone to drive you back and forth from treatment. You might wish to eat a light meal beforehand in case your chemotherapy medications cause nausea. What is chemotherapy (chemo)? All rights reserved. There are many different types of chemotherapy medicine, but they all work in a similar way. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Should you get vaccinations with a suppressed immune system? Chemotherapy treatment can be continuous, or it may alternate between periods of treatment and periods of rest to let you recover. It may be helpful to arrive for your first chemotherapy treatment well rested. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Mayo Clinic. Most people can drive themselves to and from chemotherapy sessions. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. How does chemotherapy work? The particular drugs you 'll meet with your doctor will give you chemotherapy drugs you 'll receive how. Reach cancer cells reproducing, which target specific areas, chemo can help cure,... To see if you can decide what 's right for you cause side effects include problems. Symptoms you should also plan to rest on the work that you do and on you. Or in a Clinic, or to draw blood not provide Medical advice diagnosis. Surgery, which prevents them from growing and spreading in the body example, 4-week!, some even kill themselves when their DNA is damaged cancer diagnosis has the potential to completely upend world... 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