Questions we often get

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cancer cells in patient's body. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer. While it can be effective in shrinking tumors, preventing cancer from spreading, or even achieving remission, its side effects and impact on the body vary. 

The procedure can be administered in different ways, including intravenous (IV) infusion, oral pills, injections, or directly into specific areas like the spinal fluid. During IV chemotherapy, a patient sits in a hospital or clinic while the drug is slowly infused into their bloodstream through a vein, often using a catheter or port for easier access over multiple sessions. The treatment is given in cycles, allowing the body time to recover between doses, but side effects like nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and weakened immunity can occur as healthy fast-growing cells are also affected.