Chemotherapy drugs are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for cancer. These drugs target fast-dividing cancer cells in an attempt to destroy them. There are many different kinds of chemotherapy drugs, and often they are used in combination to more effectively combat disease.

A medical oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating tumors with drugs. This physician is often considered the patient’s “quarterback” on the cancer care team. The oncologist considers many factors in deciding which chemotherapy drugs are most appropriate in treating a patient’s cancer. It is important that patients receive the exact amount of a medication to properly treat their cancer. Too little of a chemotherapy drug will result in a decreased benefit, while too much can produce an increased chance of life-threatening side effects. Patients are closely monitored to ensure that they are getting the most effective treatment possible for their disease and that the side effects are held to a minimum.

Patients who use chemotherapy drugs may experience significant side effects from the treatment. These side effects must be weighed against the potential life-saving benefits of chemotherapy. While chemotherapy medications most often are administered at a medical facility, they sometimes are taken at home. Patients who use and store chemotherapy drugs at home must follow strict guidelines to ensure that the drugs do not present a danger to themselves or to others.