Syöpälääkehoidon

Syöpälääkehoito, also known as chemotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs work by interfering with the cells' ability to grow and divide. Chemotherapy can be used to treat many types of cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy. The specific drugs used, the dosage, and the schedule of treatment depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

Chemotherapy drugs are typically administered intravenously, meaning they are given through a needle inserted into a vein, or orally in pill form. The treatment is usually given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by rest periods to allow the body to recover from the side effects. Side effects are common with chemotherapy and can vary widely depending on the drugs used. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection. Doctors work to manage these side effects to improve the patient's quality of life during treatment.

The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, prevent cancer from spreading, or relieve symptoms caused by cancer. It can be used as a primary treatment, to shrink a tumor before surgery or radiation, or after surgery or radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used to manage advanced cancer and improve the patient's comfort. The effectiveness of chemotherapy is monitored through regular check-ups and imaging tests.