Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be given orally (by mouth) or intravenously (injected into a vein) and is usually given in cycles. Chemotherapy generally does not require a hospital stay; it is given in an outpatient setting. Chemotherapy may be neoadjuvant therapy (given before surgery to shrink a large tumor) or adjuvant therapy (given after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer returns). Chemotherapy may also be given at the time of a breast cancer recurrence. Different drugs are useful for different cancers, and research has shown that combinations of certain drugs are more effective than individual ones. Read through the information below to get a better understanding of chemotherapy, including treatment, side effects, support, and questions you may want to ask your doctor.
- How Chemotherapy Works - Breastcancer.org
- Understanding Chemotherapy - American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Chemotherapy - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- Chemotherapy - Your Personal Experience - What to Expect in Chemotherapy - American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Who Gets Chemotherapy? - Breastcancer.org
- The Ideal Combination for You - Breastcancer.org
Treatment with Chemotherapy
- Treatment Overview - Breastcancer.org
- Chemotherapy: What to Expect - Breastcancer.org
- Going Through Chemotherapy - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- Chemotherapy Drugs - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- Approved Drugs for Oncology - CenterWatch
- Planning Your Life Around Chemotherapy - Breastcancer.org
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy Side Effects - Breast Cancer.org
- Side Effects of Chemotherapy - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- Side Effects of Chemotherapy - American Society of Clinical Oncology
Support for People on Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer - National Cancer Institute
- Helping Yourself During Chemotherapy - National Cancer Institute
Other Information About Chemotherapy
- Research News on Chemotherapy - Breast Cancer.org
- Ask - the - Expert Conference: Chemotherapy Updates - Breast Cancer.org
FAQs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Chemotherapy - Breast Cancer.org
- Questions for Your Provider - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
