Chemotherapy derives its name from ancient Greek language; cyto - meaning cell, toxin - meaning poison, chemo - meaning chemistry or drugs and therap - meaning treatment.The cytotoxic drugs used in chemotherapy work by attacking the growing cancer cells in the body. The aim is to either prevent further spread of the tumor, or to get rid of it totally.
When undergoing chemotherapy, one drug or several drugs available may be given to a cancer patient. An oncologist will determine the best chemotherapy protocol for each patient. Much will depend on the type of cancer, the stage and grade before the best chemotherapy protocol is discussed.The most common method of administering chemotherapy is by intravenous injection as this is the most efficient way to get the chemotherapy drugs into the bloodstream. Intravenous chemotherapy is usally given over a period of time, ranging from 30 minutes to several days. In many cases when having chemotherapy you are only required to stay in hospital while the injection is being given. Some people having chemotherapy may be required to stay in hospital for a few days.
The number of chemotherapy treatments you will have will depend on the type of cancer you have, the drugs being used and the degree of response to the chemotherapy treatment. Usually, chemotherapy involves a series of treatment periods over the course of a few weeks or months. This is done so the chemotherapy drugs have a chance to attack any cancer cells that may have escaped previous treatments.
Rest periods between each chemotherapy treatment cycle will give normal tissue time to repair itself. While chemotherapy is given to kill cancer cells, it also kills healthy cells, which rejuvenate during the rest period. Your doctor will tell you what your chemotherapy treatment involves and you should ask any questions, so that you have a full understanding of your chemotherapy treatment regime which your doctor has recommended for you.
Tamoxifen is also given in some as an adjuvant therapy in certain patients. Click here to read more about Tamoxifen.
NOTE: The chemotherapy protocols on the left are typical adjuvant therapy treatments for breast cancer.
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