Some cancers require systemic attack. Chemotherapy is the use of chemical agents to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells or to stop their growth throughout the body.

Drugs are given by mouth, injection, or infusion, often in cycles that allow partial recovery of normal tissues. Side effects arise because many agents also affect rapidly dividing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gut, and hair follicles. Supportive medications reduce nausea, protect organs, and stimulate blood-cell recovery.

Chemotherapy may aim for cure, control, or symptom relief. It is frequently combined with surgery, radiation, or newer targeted and immune therapies. Oncology teams monitor response with imaging and blood tests and adjust regimens when resistance or toxicity appears.

• Drug treatment that targets rapidly dividing cancer cells
• Given systemically in cycles
• Affects some healthy tissues, causing side effects
• Used alone or combined with other modalities