Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy - The induction of anti-cancer drugs (usually highly toxic) into the body to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally (by mouth), intravenously (through a vein), or by injection. When chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body, it is called systemic chemotherapy. When chemotherapy drugs are directed to a specific area of the body, it is called regional chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be used as a primary cancer treatment, or in combination with other cancer treatment options (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy). For example, chemotherapy may be used in combination with another cancer treatment when cancer has spread (metastasized), come back (recurred), or to prevent recurrence.

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