What is chemotherapy?

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy refers to drugs that kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be given intravenously (into a vein) via an injection or a pump, or orally (by mouth) as a pill. Each drug works against a specific cancer and is delivered in specific doses and schedules. Chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced colorectal cancers, in which the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes (drainage nodules) or to other organs.

Chemotherapy is used in the following ways:

• Primary chemotherapy is used when the colorectal cancer has already metastasized (spread) to other organs, like the liver or lungs. In this situation, since surgery usually cannot eliminate the cancer, chemotherapy can possibly shrink the tumor nodules, relieve symptoms and prolong life.
• Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery for certain rectal cancers in order to shrink the tumor and allow the surgeon to better remove it. In this situation, the patient usually receives radiation along with the chemotherapy.
• When appropriate, adjuvant chemotherapy is given after the colorectal cancer is removed with surgery. The surgery may not eliminate all of the cancer cells, and some may remain in the lymph nodes or other organs. The adjuvant chemotherapy is used to kill any of these remaining cancer cells.

Your doctor will talk with you about the best treatment for your condition.