•  
  •  

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of medicine to destroy cancer cells.

Sometimes medicines are put into the blood, usually in a vein, so that they can travel to cells all over the body. This is called systemic chemotherapy.

But chemotherapy also may be:

  • Taken by mouth (orally), in pills, capsules, or a liquid.
  • Mixed into a cream that is rubbed onto the skin (topically).
  • Given as a shot (injection) into a muscle or under the skin.
  • Given through a thin tube (a catheter) directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy).
  • Given through a catheter directly into an organ, such as the bladder (intravesical chemotherapy).

Chemotherapy can cause side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Some side effects go away after treatment is finished. But other side effects, such as infertility, may be permanent.

Last Revised: May 2, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.