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What is chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the oldest, and still one of the most important, treatments for leukemia.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Fast-dividing cells are affected
Figure 1.Fast-dividing cells are affected

01Short answer

Chemotherapy is treatment with medicines that kill fast-dividing cells or stop them dividing. Leukemia cells divide very quickly, so they are sensitive to these medicines. They are given into a vein, as tablets, under the skin and sometimes into the spinal fluid. Healthy fast-dividing cells, in the bone marrow, hair roots and the lining of the mouth and gut, are affected too, which causes side effects. Most are temporary, and the team helps reduce them.

02Simple explanation

Chemotherapy attacks fast-dividing cells.

Leukemia cells are among the fastest, but some healthy cells are affected too.

03Scientific explanation

Chemotherapy drugs work in different ways: they disrupt DNA synthesis, damage DNA or affect the machinery of cell division. In leukemia several drugs are usually combined.

The regimen depends on the type of leukemia, genetics, age and general health.

04What happens in the body?

How it is given

Usually into a vein through a central line or port. Some drugs are tablets or injections. In ALL, medicine is also given into the spinal fluid.

Side effects

The most common are low blood counts, nausea, mouth sores, hair loss and tiredness. Anti-sickness medicines, mouth care and rest help a lot.

A calm infusion room
Figure 2.A calm infusion room

After treatment

As the marrow recovers, blood counts rise. Hair usually grows back after treatment. Talk with your doctor about long-term effects.

Recovery: healthy cells grow again
Figure 3.Recovery: healthy cells grow again

05How chemotherapy works

Four steps.

A plan is made — A regimen is matched to the type.1A plan is madeA regimen is matched to the type.
The drug is given — Into a vein or as tablets.2The drug is givenInto a vein or as tablets.
Cells are hit — Fast-dividing cells die.3Cells are hitFast-dividing cells die.
The body recovers — Healthy cells grow back.4The body recoversHealthy cells grow back.
Leukemia shrinksThe aim is remission.
RecoveryMost side effects pass.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
How it is givenUsually into a vein through a central line or port. Some drugs are tablets or injections. In ALL, medicine is also given into the spinal fluid.
Side effectsThe most common are low blood counts, nausea, mouth sores, hair loss and tiredness. Anti-sickness medicines, mouth care and rest help a lot.
After treatmentAs the marrow recovers, blood counts rise. Hair usually grows back after treatment. Talk with your doctor about long-term effects.

07Key terms

Cytotoxic
A drug that stops cells dividing.
Regimen
The combination and schedule of drugs.
Port
A permanent vein access placed under the skin.

08Key points

  • Chemotherapy acts on fast-dividing cells.
  • Several drugs are combined in leukemia.
  • Most side effects are temporary.
  • A fever is an emergency.

09Frequently asked questions

Is chemotherapy painful?

Giving it is usually painless; tell the team about any discomfort.

Will my hair definitely fall out?

It depends on the drug; some regimens do not cause hair loss.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is chemotherapy painful?

  2. Will my hair definitely fall out?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. NHS. Chemotherapy
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). How to Understand Your Lab Results
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Survivorship: During and After Treatment
  8. NHS (UK). Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
  9. NHS (UK). Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
  10. NHS (UK). Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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