Medical science continues to gain knowledge of the growth process both of normal and malignant cells. At the same time, the biochemical and pharmacological members of the health team have made tremendous progress in learning more about the specific certain drugs act upon cell reproduction. Success in selection and administration of drugs, to take advantage of the vulnerability of cancer cells during the growth cycle, has been a blessing to millions. It has become possible to preserve the lives of more persons every day. Administration of anticancer drugs act on both normal cells and cancerous cells.
All cells are more receptive to the actions of the drug during active cell reproduction.
Cells which reproduce most rapidly are those most likely to be destroyed. These are also affected by chemotherapy. Up to the present time, science has not yet discerned how to make today's drugs distinguish exactly between rapidly reproducing normal cells and abnormal cancerous cells. Your health team of chemotherapy experts has carefully balanced the expected benefits with the predictable risks. On balance, the benefits to you far outweigh thee other consideration.