Chemotherapy is a medical treatment used in cancer patients with the primary goal of destroying or slowing the growth of cancer cells. It is an essential part of cancer treatment and can be used with different intents, depending on the type and stage of cancer. The main purposes of chemotherapy are as follows:
Curative intent: In some cases, chemotherapy can be curative, meaning it aims to eliminate cancer cells entirely and cure the patient of cancer. This is particularly true for certain types of cancers that are sensitive to chemotherapy and are caught early enough before they have spread extensively. When chemotherapy is used with a curative intent, it is often combined with other treatment modalities like surgery or radiation therapy to achieve the best possible outcome.
Adjuvant therapy: After surgery to remove a tumor, there may still be a risk of cancer cells remaining in the body. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given post-surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence. It aims to increase the likelihood of long-term remission and improve overall survival.
Neoadjuvant therapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy). It is used to shrink the tumor and make it more manageable for surgical removal. This approach is often employed for locally advanced cancers or cases where surgery alone might not be sufficient to achieve the best outcome.
Palliative care: In advanced stages of cancer or cases where a cure is not possible, chemotherapy can be used to relieve symptoms, control the growth of cancer, and improve the patient's quality of life. This approach is referred to as palliative chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, it can also affect normal healthy cells that also divide rapidly, such as cells in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This is why chemotherapy can cause side effects, such as hair loss, anemia, nausea, and a weakened immune system.
The specific chemotherapy regimen, dosage, and duration of treatment depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. Treatment plans are carefully tailored by oncologists to provide the best possible outcome for each patient while minimizing side effects.