What exactly is chemotherapy and how does it work?

 

Chemotherapy, often called “chemo,” is one of the most widely used treatments for cancer. It involves the use of powerful drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cells in the body. Since cancer cells grow and multiply much faster than most normal cells, chemotherapy targets them to stop their growth, shrink tumors, or completely kill the cancer cells. Patients with urological cancers often seek guidance from the Best Uro Onco Specialist in Delhi to understand whether chemotherapy is the right option.

The basic idea behind chemotherapy is simple: it attacks cells that divide quickly. While this makes it effective against cancer, it can also affect some healthy cells that divide fast, such as those in the hair follicles, mouth, digestive tract, and bone marrow. This is why side effects like hair loss, mouth sores, fatigue, or low immunity are common during chemotherapy.

How it works:

Chemotherapy drugs can work in different ways. Some interfere with the DNA or RNA of cancer cells so they can’t make copies of themselves. Others damage the structures inside the cell that are necessary for cell division. A few types even cut off the nutrients that cancer cells need to grow. Because each drug has a unique mechanism, oncologists often use a combination of drugs (called chemotherapy regimens) to improve effectiveness and reduce the chances of resistance.

How it’s given:

Chemotherapy can be delivered in several forms:

1. Intravenous (IV): Through a vein, which is the most common method.

2. Oral: Pills or capsules that can be taken at home.

3. Injection: Directly into a muscle, under the skin, or in specific body areas.

4. Topical: Creams applied to the skin for certain cancers.

Purpose of chemotherapy:

1. To cure cancer, if possible.

2. To control cancer and prevent it from spreading.

3. To shrink tumors before surgery or radiation (neoadjuvant therapy).

4. To kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery or radiation (adjuvant therapy).

To ease symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cancer (palliative chemotherapy).

In summary, chemotherapy is a powerful treatment that uses drugs to fight cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells. While it does have side effects, medical advancements have made it more tolerable and effective. Consulting the Best Uro Oncologist in Delhi ensures that patients with prostate, bladder, or kidney cancers receive the right chemotherapy plan and long-term care tailored to their condition.