Chemotherapy: What to Expect: Cancer Center: UI Health Topics

Why Is Chemotherapy Given?

Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer Center Staff
Creation Date: February 2004
Last Review Date: November 2006

Why Is Chemotherapy Given?

To cure certain cancers
To kill any microscopic cancer cells that might be present but unseen, in lymph nodes
To shrink tumors before surgery or radiation
To control the growth of tumor cells when a cure is not a possibility
To relieve pain by shrinking a tumor pressing on a nerve(s)

Last modification date: Thu Dec 21 16:42:28 2006
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /topics/medicaldepartments/cancercenter/chemowhattoexpect/whygiven.html