What it is
Drug treatment that acts on rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. Because it is systemic, it can address disease beyond a single site.
Chemotherapy
Systemic treatment that acts on dividing cells.
Chemotherapy remains central to the treatment of many cancers, often alongside surgery, radiotherapy or newer systemic treatments. This page explains the principles; the specific plan always belongs to the treating oncologist.
What it involves
How chemotherapy is used.
Curative intent
In some cancers, chemotherapy is given with the intention of eliminating the disease, either alone or with other treatment modalities.
Adjuvant treatment
Treatment given after surgery, aimed at reducing the risk of the cancer returning.
Neoadjuvant treatment
Treatment given before surgery, which may make surgery more feasible and provides information about how the cancer responds.
Palliative intent
Treatment aimed at controlling disease and reducing symptoms when cure is not the goal.
Combination treatment and cycles
Several agents are often used together, and treatment is given in cycles with recovery intervals that allow normal tissues to recover.
Monitoring
Blood counts, organ function, symptoms and response assessment are reviewed through treatment, and the plan may be adjusted accordingly.
Supportive treatment
Anti-nausea treatment, growth factor support where indicated, hydration and symptom care are planned as part of the regimen.
No regimen, drug, dose or schedule information for self-administration is published on this website. Chemotherapy is prescribed and supervised by a qualified oncologist after assessment.
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