Cancer Chemotherapy & Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy is the use of specific chemical agents or drugs to treat cancerous cells and tissues. Chemotherapy has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatment such as surgery and radiation.  

How is chemotherapy administered?

Chemotherapy drugs can be given in the following ways:

• In pill form to swallow
• As an injection 
• Intravenously (directly to the bloodstream through an IV)
• Topically (applied to the skin)
• Directly into a body cavity
• Intrathecal

Possible Side Effects

Chemotherapy medicines travel through the blood stream to the entire body, and are therefore considered a body-wide (systemic) treatment. Because of this, there may be many side-effects during treatment. Being able to anticipate these side effects can help you and your caregivers prepare, and, in some cases prevent the symptoms from occurring.

The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center Network teams’ skill and experience extends to helping patients manage discomfort and maintain their quality of life. Anti-nausea medications are used so that patients don’t usually feel nauseous, and there are also effective treatments for some causes of fatigue during treatment. As each person’s individual medical profile and diagnosis is different, so is his/her reaction to treatment. In many cases, cancer patients live a fairly normal life while receiving chemotherapy.

It is important that you discuss with your cancer team any and all possible side effects of treatment both before and during treatment.

Want to learn more about Chemotherapy & Medical Oncology offered through SCCC? Click here to send us a question and/or request additional information about the services offered through the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center.