Cancer chemotherapy

Cancer chemotherapy 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).

Overview

Chemotherapy treatments work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide much more rapidly than most cells in the body. However, because some healthy cells also divide quickly, chemotherapy can cause unwanted side effects by harming these cells as well.

Types of Chemotherapy Agents

Chemotherapy agents are classified according to their chemical composition and their function. Major classes include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anti-tumor antibiotics, topoisomerase inhibitors, and mitotic inhibitors. Each class works in a different way to stop the growth of cancer cells.

Administration

Chemotherapy can be administered through various routes depending on the specific drug and the type of cancer being treated. Common methods include intravenous (IV), oral, intramuscular (IM), and intrathecal (directly into the cerebrospinal fluid) administration.

Side Effects

The side effects of chemotherapy can vary widely from patient to patient, depending on the type of chemotherapy, the dosage, and the duration of treatment. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection due to reduced white blood cell count. Long-term side effects may include heart, lung, liver, or kidney damage, as well as an increased risk of developing a second cancer.

Combination Chemotherapy

Combining multiple chemotherapeutic agents is a common practice in cancer treatment, as it can increase the effectiveness of treatment by attacking the cancer cells in different ways. However, this approach may also increase the risk of side effects.

Chemotherapy Resistance

Over time, cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapy, making it less effective. Researchers are continually working on new drugs and treatment strategies to overcome this challenge.

Future Directions

Advancements in chemotherapy include the development of targeted therapies that aim to attack cancer cells specifically while minimizing damage to normal cells, and immunotherapies that boost the body's own immune system to fight cancer.