Chemotherapy
Overview
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available. Chemotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination to treat a wide variety of cancers.
Why it's done
Chemotherapy is used to treat specific conditions effectively.
- To cure the cancer without other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used as the primary or sole treatment for cancer.
- After other treatments, to kill hidden cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used after other treatments, such as surgery, to kill any cancer cells that might remain in the body. Doctors call this adjuvant therapy.
- To prepare you for other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor so that other treatments, such as radiation and surgery, are possible. Doctors call this neoadjuvant therapy.
- To ease signs and symptoms. Chemotherapy may help relieve signs and symptoms of cancer by killing some of the cancer cells. Doctors call this palliative chemotherapy.
What to expect
- Prevents cancer from spreading
- Helps make surgery easier
- Enhances the effect of radiation or other treatments
- Can relieve symptoms and improve comfort
Hospital
SI
Singapore General Hospital
5 Languages Supported
English, Melayu, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese
Offers Multiple Language Support
Committed to patient-centered care, Singapore General Hospital ensures high-quality treatments tailored to individual needs.