As a part of the body’s natural process, cells are constantly replaced through a process of dividing and growing. Cells reproduce in an uncontrolled manner when cancer occurs. More and more cells are produced, and they start occupying an increasing amount of space until they occupy the space that was previously inhabited by the useful cells.

The chemotherapy drugs interfere with a cancer cell’s ability to divide and reproduce. In chemotherapy, a single drug or a combination of drugs is used. These drugs can be given either directly into the bloodstream, to attack cancer cells throughout the body, or they can be targeted to specific cancer sites.

What does chemotherapy do?
Chemotherapy medications can impair mitosis, or prevent cell division, similar to cytotoxic drugs. They can target the cancer cells’ food source, which consists of enzymes and hormones that they need to grow. The chemotherapy drugs can trigger apoptosis, in simple words, the suicide of cancer cells. They can stop the growth of new blood vessels that supply a tumor to starve it; however, the effectiveness of stopping the blood flow and oxygen to the tumor has been questioned in recent times. Studies have suggested that instead of starving the cells, stopping the blood flow may enhance the cells’ ability to resist treatment and cause metastasis. Further investigations have led the scientists to suggest that the same principle may still be useful. They state that it could be effective in preventing the cancer cells from resisting treatment by targeting the proteins that are deployed by cancer to increase resistance and drive metastasis.

What to expect from chemotherapy?
An invasive treatment, chemotherapy can have severe adverse effects. This is because chemotherapy drugs often target not only the cancerous cells but also the healthy cells.

The adverse effects of chemotherapy can be worrying. But when chemotherapy is given early, in some cases, it can help achieve a complete cure, making the side effects associated with it bearable for many patients.

It is important for patients to know what to expect before starting the treatment.

How long does chemotherapy last?
The patient will need regular chemotherapy over a period of time that will be specified by the oncologist, or cancer specialist, for best results. The oncologist will draw a plan that specifies when the treatment sessions will occur and for how long.

Depending on the type and the stage of cancer, a course of treatment may range from a single dose on one day to a few weeks. To allow the body to recover, patients who need more than one course of treatment will have a rest period.

Usually, the treatment may occur on one day, followed by a week’s rest, then another one-day treatment that is followed by a three-week rest period, and so on. This process may be repeated several times.

To help the patient deal with the mental and emotional ordeal of chemotherapy, a psychologist or a counselor may be available.

How is chemotherapy given?
Depending on the type of cancer, the patient can take chemotherapy orally or intravenously, injected into the vein or elsewhere.