Many different drugs are given for cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is generally a word used which refers to these drugs. All chemotherapy does not have the same effects. Different drugs are given for different cancers. In some cases chemotherapy is given for cure.
Drugs are able to circulate to all parts of the body and attack cancer cells through out the system.
Chemotherapy may also be given after surgery or radiation has removed the tumor as an adjuvant treatment with the purpose of removing any stray undetectable cancer cells that maybe left behind. This procedure reduces the risk of reoccurrence in some situations. In some cases it may not be possible to cure cancer but chemotherapy is given to control the disease and stop progression. Sometimes chemotherapy is given to shrink tumor before surgery to make the surgical removal easier. Finally, chemotherapy may be given to boost the effectiveness of radiation treatment.