The most commonly used chemotherapy is a combination of drugs that work together to target and destroy cancer cells. The drugs used in chemotherapy vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but the most common ones are alkylating agents, antimetabolites, topoisomerase inhibitors, and taxanes. Alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide, act by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, thereby preventing them from dividing and growing. Antimetabolites, such as methotrexate, interfere with the production of proteins and other molecules that are essential for the growth of cancer cells. Topoisomerase inhibitors, such as doxorubicin, prevent the enzymes responsible for repairing damaged DNA from being able to do their job, and taxanes, such as paclitaxel, block the growth of cancer cells by preventing them from dividing.
Chemotherapy can be administered in different ways, such as through a vein, a pill, or by injection. In general, it is most commonly administered intravenously, or through a vein. This allows for the drugs to be absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with each cycle lasting several weeks. The length of the cycle and the number of cycles will depend on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
While chemotherapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also cause a range of side effects, including hair loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and increased risk of infection. It is important to discuss the potential risks and side effects with your doctor before beginning chemotherapy.