Chemotherapy (also called chemo, CTX, or CTx) is a cancer treatment that uses one or more chemotherapeutic agents to kill cancer cells. These powerful agents work by either inhibiting cellular division or causing damage to cell DNA, and is given in a standard regimen to cure cancer, prolong life, or reduce symptoms. While chemotherapy can shrink tumors and slow the spread of cancer, it may also harm some healthy cells, which can cause side effects. Doctors often use chemotherapy along with surgery, radiation, or other treatments to get the best results.
Chemotherapy remains one of the most common and effective tools used in modern cancer treatment. Development of new chemotherapeutic drugs and discovery of novel delivery methods for legacy chemotherapy agents are among the fields of being developed in cancer research.
Find data sources for cancer research and chemotherapeutic drug research with Nexus. Find oncologists and healthcare providers involved in cancer care with Voyager.
Sources
Chemotherapy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/about/pac-20385033
Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer. NIH National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy