Chemotherapy

Let's delve into what chemotherapy is, how it works and its role in cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy, often referred to as "chemo," is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful medications to halt the growth and spread of cancer cells. These medications, called cytotoxic drugs, work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. By disrupting their growth, chemotherapy aims to shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms and potentially provide a cure or lessen the chance your cancer will return.

Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in various ways, including orally, intravenously (IV) or through injections. Once in the bloodstream, they travel throughout the body, reaching cancer cells wherever they may be. These drugs interfere with the cancer cells' ability to divide and multiply, ultimately leading to their destruction.

While chemotherapy targets cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles. This can result in side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue and increased susceptibility to infections. However, clinical research has led to improved strategies for managing these side effects, making chemotherapy more tolerable for many patients and improving its effectiveness. Through ongoing research and innovation, we strive to enhance the outcomes and experiences of those undergoing chemotherapy treatment and minimize its impact on their lives.

Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer. It may be employed as a primary treatment to shrink tumors before surgery or radiation, known as neoadjuvant therapy. Alternatively, it can be administered after surgery or radiation to eradicate any remaining cancer cells, known as adjuvant therapy.

For some cancers, chemotherapy may be the main treatment option, particularly when the cancer has spread to multiple sites in the body. In such cases, chemotherapy aims to control the disease, alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Intravenous chemotherapy medications are administered under the care of an experienced oncology infusion clinical care team. Our ambulatory infusion services are conveniently available at the following locations in the metro Atlanta area:

• Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Clifton campus)
• Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
• Winship at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
• Winship at Emory Johns Creek Hospital
• Emory Decatur Hospital
• Emory at Buford Clinic