Doctors may prescribe chemotherapy alone, or in combination with other treatments. The method of administration will vary, depending upon the type of drug chosen. The doctor will make a judgment as to whether the patient will receive treatment on an outpatient basis or during a stay in the hospital. Because chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream to every system of the body, this is a systemic treatment. This widespread movement of the drug can lead to many different side effects.
Cancer cells divide very rapidly.
Chemotherapy drugs succeed at killing cancer cells because they target cells that are dividing rapidly. However, there are many types of beneficial cells in the body that also divide rapidly and they can also be negatively affected by chemotherapy. There are medicines and other treatments that can moderate the intensity of these side effects. The occurrence of side effects will vary due to such factors as age, general health, and type and quantity of drug. Back to Top Radiation therapy Certain substances emit invisible, high-energy rays, or radiation.