Each chemotherapy drug belongs to a class of drugs. Each class has a different effect on cancer cells. That is why different anti-cancer drugs are often used in combination with each other. The major drug classes are described below. Bone marrow is very important because it produces the white blood cells that fight off infections, the red blood cells that carry oxygen, and the platelets that help blood clot.
Stem cells produce the bone marrow.
Before a woman receives high-dose chemotherapy, she donates her own stem cells obtained from her bone marrow or blood stream. Once the treatment is over, these removed stem cells are infused back into her body through a catheter in her vein. This is called autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplantation because the woman donates her own blood or stem cells. Doctors are still weighing the benefits and risks of this treatment. If you are considering high-dose chemotherapy, discuss it in detail with your doctor and get a second opinion to make sure it is an appropriate treatment for you.