Patients who undergo chemotherapy may be treated with a single medication. However, it is more common for patients to be treated with a combination of chemotherapy drugs. Combination therapies may allow treatments to destroy more cancer cells and may reduce the risk that the cancer will develop resistance to one specific medication.

There are many kinds of chemotherapy drugs in use. These include alkylating agents, anti-metabolites, anti-tumor antibiotics and mitotic inhibitors.

Several factors are considered by a medical oncologist when planning chemotherapy treatment for a patient. These factors include:

• The type and stage of the cancer
• The part of the body affected by the cancer
• The effect of the cancer on normal body functions
• The patient’s age and general health

Chemotherapy sessions can be scheduled at different intervals, ranging from daily to more specifically timed sessions. These treatment intervals are known as cycles, and several factors influence the schedule, including:

• Type, stage and grade of the cancer
• Treatment goals
• Types of medications
• Patient’s age and general health
• Patient’s response to treatment and  tolerance of side effects
• Patient's preferences

In most cases, treatment sessions will be alternated with “rest periods” in an effort to give the patient’s healthy tissues the opportunity to recover from any damage suffered during treatments.

Treatment sessions can take place in many locations and vary according to the delivery route of the chemotherapy. Oral chemotherapy drugs require no special locations. Typically, intravenous chemotherapy sessions are performed on an outpatient basis. In some cases, patients may need to stay in a hospital for a short period of time when treatments begin. This is usually done so the physician can observe the effect of the treatment and recovery and make any necessary changes or provide special supportive treatments if needed. Young children may be hospitalized for each chemotherapy cycle because it is easier to monitor them in a hospital setting. 

Individuals vary in terms of site preferences. Some patients may prefer the privacy and comfort of a home setting for treatments.  Other patients may prefer to receive their treatments in a hospital, oncologist’s office or clinic with other chemotherapy patients.  Patients may have specific feelings regarding their chemotherapy treatments and should express their preferences to the healthcare provider. However, they should also be aware that in some cases, the type and schedule of chemotherapy may dictate where they receive treatment.