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Chemotherapy is the use of medicine to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy medicines are often put into a vein (I.V.) or taken by mouth as pills or a liquid (oral). This sends the medicine to cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may also be delivered in several other ways. For example, it may be injected into a muscle or put in a cream that is rubbed on the skin.

Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells. This includes cancer cells but also some normal cells. This can cause side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Some side effects go away after treatment is finished. Other side effects may be lasting.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.