Chemotherapy

Chemo: What It Is, How It Helps

This easy-to-read guide explains chemotherapy at a basic level.

Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families

Get more detailed information about chemotherapy, including what it is, how it is given, and what the possible side effects are. Also included are questions you should ask your health care team.

Chemotherapy Principles: An In-depth Discussion of the Techniques and its Role in Treatment

Go here for a more thorough discussion of chemotherapy, including information on the different types of chemotherapy drugs.

CancerQuest: Chemotherapy [video]

Watch this video about how drugs are used to treat cancer, the possible side effects,  and what precautions you need to take if chemotherapy is part of your cancer treatment. (También disponible en español)

Oral Chemotherapy: What You Need to Know

Today, there are many types of chemotherapy (chemo) that can be swallowed as a liquid, tablet, or capsule. Oral chemo is any drug you take by mouth to treat your cancer. Learn more about oral forms of chemo here.

Chemotherapy Side Effects Worksheet [PDF, 62.04Kb]

If you are getting chemotherapy, this worksheet (in PDF format) can help you keep track of your side effects so that your health care team can help you manage them.

Off-Label Drug Use

When a drug is used in a different way than described in the FDA-approved drug label, it is said to be an "off-label" use. Off-label drug use is common in cancer treatment. Learn more about it here.

Compassionate Drug Use

Medical professionals use the term "compassionate use" to refer to the treatment of a seriously ill patient using a new, unapproved drug when no other treatments are available.