therapieschemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It can be administered systemically or regionally and may aim to cure the disease, shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy), eliminate microscopic disease after surgery (adjuvant therapy), or relieve symptoms in advanced or inoperable cancers (palliative therapy). In some cases it is used for autoimmune diseases or as part of a conditioning regimen for stem cell transplantation.

Drugs used in chemotherapy fall into several broad categories, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anti-tumor antibiotics, mitotic inhibitors, and topoisomerase inhibitors. Many regimens combine multiple agents with different mechanisms to increase effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of resistance. Treatments are tailored to the cancer type, stage, molecular features, prior therapies, and patient health. Regimens are usually given in cycles with rest periods to allow normal tissues to recover.

Administration methods vary: most regimens are given intravenously, but some drugs are taken orally, and others may be delivered directly into body cavities, the spinal fluid, or limited organs. Dosing schedules depend on the drug’s pharmacology and the goal of therapy (curative versus palliative). Supportive care, including antiemetics, growth factors, and infection prevention, is commonly used to manage toxicity and maintain treatment intensity.

Common side effects arise from effects on rapidly dividing cells, such as bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, mucositis, and hair loss. Other toxicities may affect the heart, kidneys, nerves, or fertility, depending on the drugs used. Side effect management and monitoring are integral to chemotherapy plans.