kemoterapia

Kemoterapia, known in English as chemotherapy, is a cancer treatment that uses cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells or halt their growth. Drugs are typically given systemically, but some regimens target specific body areas. It can be used with curative intent in cancers responsive to chemotherapy, as neoadjuvant therapy before surgery or radiation, as adjuvant therapy after local treatment, or to relieve symptoms in advanced disease.

Chemotherapeutic agents work by interfering with cell division or DNA replication, making them most effective against rapidly dividing cells. Because normal tissues such as bone marrow, digestive tract lining, and hair follicles also divide quickly, chemotherapy often causes side effects.

Administration varies by drug and cancer type. Agents may be given by intravenous infusion, oral tablets, injections, or topical application. Regimens are typically given in cycles with rest periods to allow recovery. Dosing depends on body size, organ function, and the drug’s pharmacology, with ongoing monitoring of blood counts and organ health.

Common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, decreased blood cell counts, and increased infection risk. Other effects may include neuropathy, liver or kidney toxicity, and infertility, depending on the drugs used.

Limitations include variable response, development of resistance, and the balance between tumor control and quality of life. Newer strategies combine chemotherapy with targeted therapies or immunotherapies, or use regional delivery methods to improve efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity. Chemotherapy remains a core option in many cancer treatment plans, often as part of multimodal therapy.