- Conditions for Using Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients
To treat cancer without other
treatments. Chemotherapy can be used as the primary or sole treatment for
cancer.
After other treatments, to kill
hidden cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used after treatments like
surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain in the body (adjuvant
therapy).
To prepare for other
treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor to make other
treatments, such as radiation therapy and surgery, more effective
(neoadjuvant therapy).
To alleviate the signs and
symptoms of the disease. Chemotherapy is used to relieve signs and
symptoms of cancer by killing some cancer cells (palliative chemotherapy).