Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used and effective cancer treatments that involves the use of powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells in the body. Unlike surgery or radiation, which target specific areas, chemotherapy works throughout the entire body, making it useful for treating cancers that have spread or are at risk of spreading.
Chemotherapy targets cells that divide and grow rapidly—one of the main characteristics of cancer cells. It works by:
Chemotherapy can be classified based on the drugs used and the method of treatment. The main types include:
These drugs damage the DNA of cancer cells to prevent them from reproducing. They are used for many types of cancer, including breast, lung, and leukemia.
These interfere with DNA and RNA growth by substituting normal building blocks, stopping cell division and growth.
Derived from natural sources, these drugs interfere with enzymes involved in DNA replication, leading to cell death.
These prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA, ultimately leading to cell destruction.
These block cell division by targeting the mitosis process, mainly used in cancers like breast and lung cancer.
Chemotherapy can be delivered in different ways depending on the type and stage of cancer:
Chemotherapy remains a key cancer treatment due to its various benefits:
While effective, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells that grow quickly, leading to side effects such as:
Ongoing research is improving chemotherapy’s effectiveness while reducing side effects. New drug combinations and delivery methods are being developed for more personalized treatments.
Chemotherapy continues to be a cornerstone in cancer treatment. With ongoing advancements, it remains a powerful tool in managing and curing various types of cancer, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide.
