Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by disrupting the way cancer cells grow and divide but it can also affect normal healthy cells. These healthy cells can usually repair damage caused by chemotherapy but cancer cells can’t and eventually die.
There are many different chemotherapy drugs used for different cancers. More details can be obtained through the MacMillan cancer website.
As your cancer specialist, your chemotherapy treatment would be tailored based on extensive research and according to your individual needs. Treatments are covered by your medical insurance including drugs which are not routinely available in the NHS.
Most chemotherapy treatments can be administered in your own house by specialist chemotherapy nurse saving you trips to the hospital. If you prefer, the chemotherapy can also be delivered as a day case at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester, The Rivers Chemotherapy Unit or Springfield Cancer Centre, Chelmsford.