September 12, 2008, Newsletter Issue #6: What is Chemotherapy?

Tip of the Week

Chemotherapy is a treatment that attaches to and kills cancer microbes and tumor cells. It has been in use since the early 1950s and can be administered via the mouth or the veins through an IV.

A common myth is that chemotherapy administered through the mouth is less potent. But it is exactly that … a myth.

While there are several different types of chemotherapy, the three main ones are

Alkylating AgentsTopo Isomerase InhibitorsAnti-MetabolitesMost types of chemotherapy interrupt cancer cells replicating in order to stop the spread of the disease. This also leads to one of the more common side effects a patient experiences, which is hair loss.

The treatment attacks rapidly dividing cells. One of the most rapidly dividing cells, other than cancer, are hair cells. While the therapy is targeting the cancer cells, others may be affected. There are, however, some chemotherapy types that do not result in hair loss.

Some symptoms of cancer are very similar to side effects of chemotherapy, so it may be difficult to see results in the early stages following treatment.

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