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Chemotherapy

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and spreading. Unlike surgery or radiation therapy, which target specific areas, chemotherapy works throughout the whole body, making it especially useful when cancer has spread (metastasized) to different organs.

The drugs used in chemotherapy can be given in different ways, most commonly through an intravenous (IV) infusion or as oral tablets. Once in the bloodstream, they circulate to reach cancer cells wherever they may be. Chemotherapy can be used alone, but it is often combined with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

The goals of chemotherapy vary. For some patients, it aims to completely cure the cancer. In others, it may be used to shrink tumors before surgery or radiation (called neoadjuvant therapy), or to kill any remaining cancer cells after those treatments (adjuvant therapy). In advanced cases, chemotherapy may be given to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Because chemotherapy affects fast-growing cells, it can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in the hair, mouth, intestines, and bone marrow. This is why side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and low blood counts are common. However, many of these effects are temporary and can be managed with supportive care.

Our Specialists

Dr. Tan Yew Oo
陈有禹医生

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Dr. Choo Bok Ai
朱博爱医生

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Dr. Grace Tan
陈玮晶副教授

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