About Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs or chemicals to treat cancer. Not all cancers are treated with the same drugs, or in the same way. Research has helped determine the most effective drugs for different kinds of cancers. You may receive one drug or a combination of drugs, and the chemotherapy may be combined with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or biological therapy.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy works by destroying cells. It works best against fast-growing cells. Since cancer cells often grow faster than normal cells, chemotherapy especially targets them. When chemotherapy drugs go into the bloodstream, the blood carries the drugs to cancer cells throughout the body.

How is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy can be given in different ways:

• by mouth (orally)
• by injection (shot) into muscle or soft tissue
• by injection into a vein or artery
• by injection into a body space, such as the abdomen or space around the lungs
• by application directly onto the skin.

Your doctor or nurse can explain how you will receive your chemotherapy.

Who gives chemotherapy?

Your doctor, usually a cancer specialist (called an oncologist or hematologist), will determine your treatment plan. An oncology nurse or, in some cases, your doctor will give you the chemotherapy drugs.

Where will I receive chemotherapy?

You may receive chemotherapy in a hospital, outpatient care center, doctor's office, or at home. Where you receive chemotherapy depends on your treatment plan. Your doctor and nurse will explain where you will receive your chemotherapy.

How long will I receive chemotherapy?

The length of your chemotherapy treatment plan depends on what kind of cancer you have and how it responds to the chemotherapy. In most cases, your doctor can give you a general idea of the planned length of treatment. This time period could change during treatment.

How long will each chemotherapy treatment last?

The length of each treatment depends on the drugs used and the specific type of treatment. The time also depends on whether you need blood drawn or other tests performed before your treatment. Your nurse can tell you how long your treatment sessions are expected to last.

Does chemotherapy cause side effects?

Chemotherapy drugs affect both normal cells and cancer cells. Although chemotherapy targets fast-growing cancer cells, it also can damage or destroy normal cells. This effect on normal cells can cause side effects. However, most normal cells can repair or replace themselves over time.

Not all chemotherapy drugs produce side effects, and side effects vary depending on the treatment used and the person receiving it. People receiving similar treatments can experience different side effects. Possible side effects include bone marrow depression (lower levels of blood cells production, causing fatigue and a weakened immune system), digestive discomfort, and temporary hair loss. Your care team will be monitoring your health and will work to reduce any side effects that occur.

More information

• More in-depth information about chemotherapy
• Read “Chemotherapy: Information for Patients and Families”, a booklet from UPMC Patient Education (PDF, 500K)