A caregiver providing comfort to a cancer patient

Chemotherapy for Cancer

Chemotherapy is a treatment used to attack rapidly-growing cancer cells. Learn why it is used, what to expect when it is administered, and how to cope with the side effects.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Getting an infusion

Kyprolis: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, & Precautions

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A woman doing chemotherapy and scalp cooling

Scalp Cooling: Preventing Hair Loss From Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Young woman receiving chemotherapy, elevated view

How to Lower Your Infection Risk During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

test tube with blood evaluating bone marrow suppression due to chemotherapy

Bone Marrow Suppression During and After Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A man putting toothpaste on his toothbrush

Mouth Sores From Chemotherapy: Food Choices and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Balding woman fighting breast cancer outdoors looking off camera.

Coping With Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

woman wearing head scarf after chemo

Can You Prevent Hair Loss From Chemotherapy?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

hand of patient to saline healthcare medical

Common Skin Problems During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

AMBULATORY CHEMOTHERAPY

What to Do About Acid Reflux During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Intravenous cancer treatment

Adrucil (Fluorouracil): Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

little girl who is neutropenic due to chemotherapy

Overview of Neutropenia During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Cancer patient laying in her hospital bed

How to Deal With Taste Changes Caused by Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Lonely old asian patient on patient bed in hospital

What to Do if Food Loses Its Flavor During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman with bitter taste in her mouth

Coping With Metallic Taste During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

nurse and patient discussing palliative chemotherapy

Palliative Chemotherapy - Goals of Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Tote and list of what to bring to chemo

The Essentials List of What to Pack for Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Person standing on scale

Weight Loss and Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

washing vegetables is important on a neutropenic diet

Neutropenic Diet While on Chemotherapy: Safe Food Practices

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Torn packaging of wrapper containing a condom

Do You Need to Use Condoms During Chemotherapy?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Mature man sitting on bed, rear view

Dealing With Low Sex Drive During Cancer Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Benefits of Undergoing a Massage During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Ambulatory chemotherapy

Prevention of Blood Clots During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Blood in human urine in sample pot

Having Red Urine Following Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A bag of chemotherapy drugs.

Extravasation Symptoms and Prevention

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Female cancer survivor with shaved head looking at remote rural view

When Will You Begin Losing Your Hair During Chemo?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Young man receiving a non-tunneled central venous catheter.

Learn How a Tunneled Central Line (CVC) Is Used

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A woman washing her hands

Safely Handling Fluids and Waste After Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

chemotherapy infusion clinic. is Neulasta or Neuopogen better?

Neulasta vs. Neupogen for Neutropenia During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman applying lotion to her cuticles

Caring for Your Skin and Nails During Chemo

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

man pouring medication pills into hand

Managing Diarrhea During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman in underwear.

Pubic Hair Loss and Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman sitting at the edge of a pool with sun hat on

Sun Sensitivity During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman using cream

7 Ways to Manage Dry Skin During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

Portrait of a young African American Woman with Cancer

Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

7 Ways to Eat Well During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

person getting lumbar puncture

Overview of Intrathecal Chemotherapy Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Patient recieving chemotherapy talking to doctor

Common Types of Central Venous Catheters

Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO

Tanning During Chemotherapy Treatments

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Young woman sing triple mix for mouth sores from chemotherapy

Triple Mix To Relieve Pain of Mouth Sores After Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman about to start chemotherapy

Does It Hurt to Receive Chemotherapy?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman vomiting into bucket from bed

Why Chemotherapy Causes Nausea and Vomiting

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

woman with IV for receiving combination chemotherapy

Combination Chemotherapy: History, Benefits, and Risks

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

lab technician drawing blood to test for low platelets during chemotherapy

Thrombocytopenia: Managing Low Platelets During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Young Man Receiving Chemotherapy at home.

Symptoms of Dehydration During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Red and white blood cells

Nadir: A Common Side Effect of Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

cancer survivor with chemo curls

How to Care for and Style Chemo Curls

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A white blood cell.

Treating Immunosuppression Caused by Immunodeficiency

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Adderall and Other Stimulants for Chemobrain

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Wigs in store window

How to Get Free Headgear During Chemotherapy

Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS

Husband hugging wife with cancer

The Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Doctors attending patients receiving intravenous infusion in hospital

How to Be Prepared for Your Chemotherapy Session

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

man reading during chemo treatment

What to Do During Chemotherapy Appointments

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Glass of alcohol on wooden table after chemotherapy

Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol During Chemotherapy?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Eyebrow pencils and a brush

Coping With Eyebrow Loss From Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD

Man talking to female doctor

Chemotherapy Side Effects and Prevention

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Chicken soup in plate with spoon on napkin, close up

Make Meals Ahead of Time Before Starting Chemotherapy

Fact checked by Dale Brauner

closeup of an iv drip with woman in pink hospital bed in blurry background

Long Term Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Doctor discussing with patient

10 Tips for Traveling During Chemotherapy

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

female receiving chemotherapy and smiling because she packed her chemo tote bag

Chemo Bag Essentials: What to Pack to be Prepared

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

woman writing list

Questions to Ask Before Starting Chemo

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Female with cancer wondering if her chemotherapy drugs will cause hair loss

The Chemotherapy Drugs That Cause Hair Loss

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

ginger tea could it help chemotherapy nausea?

Can Ginger Reduce Nausea from Chemo?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

young tattooed man using tablet

4 Brain Game Apps for People With Chemobrain

woman using mouthwash

Caring for Your Mouth During Chemotherapy

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Man taking medication

Drug Companies With Patient Assistance Programs

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

Cancer patient in hospice care

Should You Use Latisse for Chemotherapy Eyelash Loss?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Uncooked white rice in a small bowl

Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Young girl receiving chemotherapy. I.v in hand. Sick child with IGA Nephropathy taking Cyclophosphimide. Childrens Hospital of Illinois.

Different Ways To Receive IV Chemotherapy: Access Types

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

alternative medicine for chemotherapy side effects

Natural Remedies for Chemotherapy Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Hemorrhagic Cystitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Chinese scientist working in lab

Arsenic Trioxide (ATO) Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

New Hair, New Look After Chemo

Fact checked by James Lacy

Huber Needle for Chemotherapy Infusions

Get to Know Your Huber Needle for Chemo Port Access

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

woman taking liquid medication

Magic Mouthwash to Treat Chemotherapy Mouth Sores

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Woman rubbing aching stomach

Treating Constipation From Cancer Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Blood flowing in veins red and white blood cells.

Chemotherapy and Low White Blood Cell (WBC) Counts

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Discoloration of nails after chemotherapy. Side effects from breast cancer treatment.

Toenail Disorders During Chemotherapy: Prevention and Care

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A syringe and chemotherapy drugs, with Neupogen to increase white blood cell counts

Neupogen as Treatment for Low Neutrophil Count

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Chemotherapy patient

8 Things to Know Before Your First Chemo Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Man rubbing his foot

Hand-Foot Syndrome During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

woman using mouth wash from glass

How to Make Mouth Rinses to Use During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

What to Do If You Lose Your Eyelashes During Chemo

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Mother Reading a Book to her Daughter

Chemotherapy Hair Loss

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

mouth ulcers from chemotherapy

How is Caphosol Used for Mouth Sores From Chemotherapy?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Beautiful young ethnic woman with cancer

What Are the Least Toxic Chemotherapies?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Coping with Chemo

wig shop, what to know about insurance company before you shop

How to Get Insurance to Pay for a Wig During Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

A woman receives treatment for her cancer.

Neurological Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD