Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by inserting a needle into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drugs enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. Combination Chemotherapy is the use of a number of drugs together to combat the cancer.
Chemotherapy is given in measured doses.
Often a chemotherapy regimen will be given in cycles - treatments spaced over the period of days. The number of cycles vary according to the chemotherapy regimen and the extent of the disease. Chemotherapy is delivered many different ways depending on the drugs and treatment. Intravenous means delivered by inserting a needle in a vein, orally is by mouth, and via catheter or port is by a tube inserted into the chest via a surgical procedure. As always consult with your own doctors on the best treatment for you given your specific disease and its presentation.