Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that employs powerful chemicals to kill rapidly multiplying cells within the body, particularly those associated with cancer. While sometimes used by itself, chemotherapy is typically paired with other therapies such as radiation treatment and surgery, to either manage, slow or eliminate cancer in different parts of the body. Chemotherapy may also be used to prepare for a bone marrow stem cell transplant when a blood or bone marrow disorder is present. In addition, it is sometimes employed in lower doses to help keep the immune system in check as part of the treatment for certain diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).