Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. Unlike normal cells, which divide and die in a regulated cycle, cancer cells multiply without control. Chemotherapy works to stop the division and growth of these cells.
Chemotherapy comes in several forms. It may be injected into a vein, taken as a pill or given as a short into the muscle or under the skin. You may receive one chemotherapy or a combination of different drugs. Chemotherapy may be used alone, in combination with “immunotherapy” techniques (which involve the body’s own immune system in fighting the disease) or in additional to surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy may be given daily, weekly, or monthly, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The type of therapy you receive depends on your cancer diagnosis and will be discussed with you in detail by your physician before you begin treatment.
We know that the word “chemotherapy” is frightening. This time may feel overwhelming to you and your family. Here at the Stanford Cancer Center, we make it a priority to do everything possible to ease the treatment process.
Our physicians and staff members are here to help guide and support you through your treatment program. We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to support your chemotherapy treatment. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Published April 2018
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