Q. Can cancer be cured by chemotherapy?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The simple answer is yes – chemotherapy can be used to effectively cure many forms of cancer. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy may be used as a sole treatment or together with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells in the body that are associated with cancer growths, such as tumor cells. By attacking these cells specifically, it can sometimes eliminate cancer from the body completely.
However, even when effective in curing some types of cancers, there are often unpleasant side effects associated with chemotherapy. Side effects vary depending on the type and dose of drugs used but can include hair loss, fatigue and nausea/vomiting among others. As a result, it important to speak with your healthcare provider about potential risks before beginning any treatment plan involving chemotherapy so you can weigh your options and make an informed decision together that's right for you.
Furthermore, it's important to remember that while chemo might cure some cancers there are also many other forms of successful treatments available today - including immunotherapy or targeted therapies like biologic agents - which may have fewer side effects than chemotherapy or offer more tailored therapy based on individual needs (such as age and overall health). Your physician will work with you to develop an effective course of action that takes all these factors into consideration for maximum success at beating your specific form of cancer.