Why Several Rounds of Chemotherapy Are Often Prescribed to Cancer Patients

Chemotherapy, sometimes referred to as chemo, is a common treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and is often given in cycles so that your body has time to recover.

Function

• Chemotherapy can be used to cure cancer by completely eliminating cancer cells, to control cancer by limiting its growth or spread, or to ease pain by shrinking painful tumors.

Considerations

• Chemotherapy is often used along with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation.

Time Frame

• The schedule of your chemotherapy treatment depends on your type of cancer, the goal of your treatment, and how you respond to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is often performed in cycles or rounds--for example, one week of chemotherapy, and three weeks of rest--so that your body has time to recover and build new cells.

Side Effects

• Since chemotherapy kills healthy fast-growing cells along with cancer cells, a range of side effects can occur. Fatigue, nausea, hair loss, dry skin, and mouth sores are all common. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you cope with side effects.

Types

• Chemotherapy is usually given intravenously, or through an IV. It can also be given in shots or pills.