---
title: Chemotherapy
url: "https://www.yyhmedical.com/en/guide/technology/chemotherapy"
type: MedicalWebPage
inLanguage: en-US
---

# Chemotherapy

> Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth and division.

## Overview

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth and division. Most chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body, making chemotherapy a form of systemic treatment.

  

Chemotherapy is widely used for both blood cancers and solid tumors. It may be a major part of treatment for leukemia and certain lymphomas. For solid tumors such as breast, lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers, chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery or used to treat advanced or recurrent disease.

## Indications

Whether chemotherapy is appropriate depends on the type and stage of cancer, its molecular features, previous treatments, and the patient's overall health. Common uses include:

  

-   Treating chemotherapy-sensitive blood cancers such as leukemia and certain lymphomas;
    
-   Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor or reduce tumor burden;
    
-   Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence in selected patients;
    
-   Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy;
    
-   Controlling disease and relieving symptoms in some patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic cancer.
    

  

Not every person with cancer needs chemotherapy. Treatment decisions are individualized according to the specific disease and clinical situation.

## Treatment Process

Chemotherapy is usually given in treatment cycles according to a planned regimen. Depending on the cancer and the drugs being used, treatment may be given intravenously, orally, or by injection. Some patients with blood cancers may also receive intrathecal chemotherapy.

  

Each cycle generally includes a treatment period followed by time for the body to recover. During treatment, blood counts, liver and kidney function, and other laboratory results are monitored regularly. Bone marrow tests, imaging studies, or other assessments may also be used to evaluate response.

  

The drugs, doses, schedule, and number of treatment cycles vary by cancer type and individual treatment plan.

## Side Effects and Complications

Chemotherapy can affect rapidly dividing healthy cells as well as cancer cells, including cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. Side effects vary depending on the drugs, doses, and individual patient.

  

Common effects may include:

  

-   Low white blood cell, neutrophil, platelet, or hemoglobin levels;
    
-   Increased risk of infection or bleeding;
    
-   Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or constipation;
    
-   Mouth sores;
    
-   Hair loss;
    
-   Fatigue.
    

Certain chemotherapy drugs may also affect the heart, liver, kidneys, or nervous system. Not every patient experiences all of these effects, and their severity varies widely. Patients are monitored throughout treatment so side effects can be prevented or managed when possible.

## Content attribution (YMYL)
- Author:
- Medically reviewed by:
- Last reviewed:
- First published:

> 

---
Original (HTML):https://www.yyhmedical.com/en/guide/technology/chemotherapy
This is a clean Markdown mirror for large language models; the original page is authoritative.