Chemotherapy is a powerful and commonly used treatment for cancer. Its primary goal is to stop or slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells.
The spread of cancer, known as metastasis, occurs when cancer cells break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, where they can form new tumors. Chemotherapy can help prevent or slow down metastasis by killing or damaging cancer cells that have spread to other areas.
Chemotherapy is often used in different scenarios:
Adjuvant chemotherapy: Given after surgery or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Administered before surgery or radiation to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove or treat.
Palliative chemotherapy: Used to control and manage cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, aiming to improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.
While chemotherapy can be effective in controlling and reducing the spread of cancer, it's essential to note that it may not always eliminate all cancer cells, especially in advanced or aggressive cases. Additionally, chemotherapy has side effects because it affects both cancerous and normal healthy cells that also divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. These side effects can be managed and vary depending on the specific drugs used and the individual's response to treatment.
Chemotherapy is just one of the treatment modalities available for cancer, and its use depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Often, a combination of treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, may be used to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. Treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by a team of healthcare professionals specializing in oncology.