A treatment method employing powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or through injection, and it is often used in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.
Also known as antineoplastic or chemotherapy drugs, these medications target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. They work by interfering with the cell division process, ultimately leading to cell death.
Chemotherapy given after primary treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to eradicate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Chemotherapy administered before primary treatment, usually surgery, to shrink tumors, making them more manageable or easier to remove.
The use of multiple chemotherapy drugs in a treatment regimen to maximize effectiveness and minimize the development of drug resistance.
A structured treatment plan that outlines the types of drugs, dosages, frequency, and duration of chemotherapy cycles tailored to an individual’s specific cancer type and stage.
Undesirable effects of chemotherapy on healthy cells and tissues, which can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, weakened immune system, and damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, or nerves.
A common side effect of chemotherapy where the production of blood cells in the bone marrow is inhibited, leading to conditions like anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
A type of chemotherapy that specifically targets cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, often by blocking the action of specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression.
The use of certain chemotherapy drugs or other agents to prevent the development or recurrence of cancer in individuals with a high risk of the disease.
The phenomenon where cancer cells become less responsive to chemotherapy drugs over time, leading to treatment failure and disease progression. This can occur due to genetic mutations, altered drug metabolism, or other mechanisms.
Chemotherapy administered with the primary goal of relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer, rather than aiming for a cure.
The potential of chemotherapy drugs to induce nausea and vomiting, categorized into different levels based on the likelihood and severity of these side effects.
A side effect of chemotherapy characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hands and feet.
Long-term administration of low-dose chemotherapy or targeted therapy to prevent cancer recurrence or keep the disease under control following initial treatment success.