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Chemotherapy

Definition

Essentially, chemotherapy refers to any form of treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells. The advantage of chemotherapy is that it can deliver cancer-fighting compounds to every part of the body, seeking out cancer cells that may not otherwise be apparent or easily reached.

Some form of chemotherapy is now part of the treatment plan for nearly every major cancer - from breast cancer to bladder cancer to leukemia.

Getting Treatment

Chemotherapy is given in the following areas:

Making an Appointment

Prior to scheduling an appointment at one of our Infusion Centers, you will need to be referred by your oncologist. For more information, contact Cancer AnswerLine at 1-800-865-1125 or visit their web page.

How is chemotherapy done?

Chemotherapy may be given as tablets, or more commonly, via an intravenous line. Sometimes just one drug is used, although combinations are most common. Chemotherapy is often combined with surgery, radiation therapy, or both in an individual's treatment plan.

What side effects does chemotherapy cause?

It is well-known that chemotherapy sometimes causes unpleasant side effects like nausea, anemia, fatigue, and hair loss. But it is not so well known that there are new drugs and treatment plans that are cutting down on the intensity of those side effects. The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center has one of the premier chemotherapy programs in the country. Because the potential for improvement may outweigh the discomforts of any possible side effects, a cancer patient should not hesitate discussing risks and benefits with his or her cancer physician.

How can I get more information about chemotherapy?

For more information, contact Cancer AnswerLine at 1-800-865-1125 or visit their web page.

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center