What Is Chemotherapy?

Understanding Chemotherapy

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is a systemic treatment, meaning it affects the entire body by traveling through the bloodstream to target cancer cells wherever they may be located.

Mechanism of Action

Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer cells. The drugs interfere with the cancer cell’s ability to grow and divide, ultimately leading to cell death. However, because chemotherapy also affects other rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in the hair follicles and digestive tract, it can cause side effects like hair loss and nausea1 2.

Applications in Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy is used in various stages of cancer treatment:

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove. For instance, in rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX has been shown to improve disease-free survival when used before chemoradiotherapy3.

• Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. This approach is common in treating gastric cancer, where postoperative chemotherapy can improve survival rates1.

• Palliative Chemotherapy: Used in advanced cancers to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. In pancreatic and biliary cancers, chemotherapy has been shown to prolong survival and enhance quality of life compared to supportive care alone2.

Types of Chemotherapy Regimens

Chemotherapy regimens can vary based on the type and stage of cancer:

• Standard Chemotherapy: Involves high doses of drugs given in cycles, allowing the body time to recover between treatments. This is a common approach in many cancers, including gastric and rectal cancers1 3.

• Metronomic Chemotherapy: Involves the continuous administration of low-dose chemotherapy drugs to minimize side effects and target cancer cells through antiangiogenic effects. This method has been explored in osteosarcomas, showing potential benefits in nonmetastatic cases4.

Side Effects and Considerations

The side effects of chemotherapy can be significant, including fatigue, nausea, and increased risk of infection due to lowered white blood cell counts. The severity of side effects often depends on the specific drugs used and the individual patient’s response. Careful monitoring and supportive care are essential to manage these effects and maintain the patient’s quality of life during treatment2 3.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, offering benefits in terms of survival and quality of life across various cancer types. Its application, whether as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery and radiation, continues to evolve with ongoing research aimed at optimizing its efficacy and minimizing its side effects.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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