Chemotherapy most commonly known as “chemo” is a long and lengthy procedure used to destroy cancer cells, control its growth and spread, or provide ease and comfort to the patient. Chemotherapy treatment began in the 1940’s with nitrogen mustard which later on developed in to aminopterin. Chemotherapy comes with many side effects and risks; it not only affects the patients mind but also their body. Even though chemotherapy has its risks it is still considered to be an effective treatment option. The type of chemotherapy drugs used vary from patient to patient. According to The National Cancer Institute approximately 650,000 patients every year within the US choose chemotherapy to cure cancer cells that might metastasize throughout the body. …show more content…
There are over a 100 different combinations of chemotherapy drugs used to cure different diseases. Chemotherapy is used to destroy the dividing cancer cells. The chemotherapy drugs either attack the nucleus of the dividing cell or damage the cells at the point of splitting. Chemotherapy consists of a combination of different chemo drugs which means more dividing cells are attacked. A tumor starts to grow when a mass of cells form. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink the size of the tumor and prevent it from growing. Sometimes surgery is required to remove the tumor afterwards small doses of chemotherapy are required to destroy any cancer cells that remain. Radiation uses high-energy to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is still used after radiation to get rid of any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is not only used to cure cancer but it is also used to cure autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus is when the immune system creates antibodies that invade your healthy tissues leading to chronic damage to any part of the body. Chemo drugs such as Cytoxan act as an immunosuppressant used to treat lupus. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints present in the hand and feet. Rheumatrex, a chemo drug also known as the ‘gold standard’, is used to treat the