One of the procedures in treating cancer is called chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic (or anti-cancer) drugs to kill cancer cells. With different 50 types of chemotherapeutic drugs available, this type of cancer treatment relies on a few factors. These factors include; cancer type, what part of the body the cancer originated, how the cancer cells appear under the microscope, and how they spread to other body parts.

How does chemotherapy work?

A patient should remember that chemotherapeutic drugs halt the division and multiplication of cancer cells. As these drugs are being carried in the bloodstream, they target the cancer cells as well as healthy cells. Healthy cells can also help undo the damage caused by cancer cells. But unfortunately, chemotherapeutic drugs can also cause side effects to the healthy cells. Certain healthy cells in the mouth’s lining, bone marrow, hair follicles and digestive system are particularly sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs.

It is not that easy to administer chemotherapeutic drugs. Planning is critical as it is administered in sessions. For optimal results, there must be a rest period in between sessions. The session and rest period is called a cycle whereas the series of cycles are referred to a course of treatment.

Chemotherapy is used to destroy the cancer cells and eventually cure the disease. It is hoped that a course of chemotherapy will keep the cancer from coming back, obliterate the symptoms and prolong the life of the patient.

Chemotherapy can be employed before or after a surgical operation or during radiotherapy (chemoirradation or chemoradiotherapy). High-dose chemotherapy calls for stem cell support or even a bone marrow transplant.

A few chemotherapeutic drugs include the following: altretamine,bleomycin, capecitabine, cytarabine, fludarabine, melphalan and mercaptopurine.