Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells. These drugs are often called "anticancer" drugs. Normal cells grow and die in a controlled way. When cancer occurs, cells in the body that are not normal keep dividing and forming more cells without control. Anticancer drugs destroy cancer cells by stopping them from growing or multiplying. Healthy cells can also be harmed, especially those that divide quickly. Harm to healthy cells is what causes side effects. Some side effects are temporary because some healthy cells can repair themselves after your chemotherapy is complete.  However, some chemotherapy side effects don't reverse on their own and other therapies or medications may be needed, so it is important that you discuss possible side effects with your healthcare team before beginning treatment.

Chemotherapy can be used for different goals:

• To cure the cancer. Cancer is considered cured when the patient remains free of evidence of cancer cells.
• To control the cancer. Control means keeping the cancer from spreading; slowing the cancer’s growth, and killing cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body from the original tumor.
• To relieve symptoms that the cancer may cause. Relieving symptoms such as pain can help patients live more comfortably.

Chemotherapy is given in several different ways:

• By vein (intravenous or IV treatment). Chemotherapy is usually given administered by placing a thin needle into the a vein on your hand or arm at the beginning of the treatment session and removing it following treatment. A single chemotherapy treatment session can last from 30 minutes up to eight hours, depending on the drug that has been prescribed. A catheter, port, or pump may be placed if you are having multiple treatments in a short period of time.
• By mouth (orally). The drug is given in pill capsule or liquid form. You swallow the drug in pill, capsule, or liquid form, just as you do for other medications.
• By injection. A needle and syringe are used to give the drug quickly.
• Topically (on the surface of the skin).

The Huntsman Cancer Hospital Outpatient Infusion room makes your treatment session as comfortable as possible with pillows, warmed blankets, magazines, books, and VCR/ DVD players with a large selection of movies. Food including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, broth, juices, and crackers, is also available. Volunteers can pick up food from The Point or The Point Bistro restaurants for you. Just ask to see the menu.

For information about specific chemotherapy drugs and regimens, please refer to the HOPE Guide or contact a Cancer Information Specialist in the Cancer Learning Center.

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