Chemotherapy is a form of chemical treatment. Originally, chemotherapeutic treatments were those used to treat infectious microorganisms, but the word has since been expanded to cover anticancer medications as well. 

Depending on the cancer's severity, stage, and type, chemo may or may not be chosen. Chemotherapy is typically an option for all stages of the majority of cancer types. Chemotherapy is a treatment method used to cure or eradicate cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy treatment cost varies according to the severity, stage and type of cancer. Usually, the cost of chemotherapy in India lies in the range of Rs. 18,00 to Rs. 50,000 but can change depending on various factors. 

Multiple therapies may be used in the treatment of cancer (surgery, radiation, chemo, etc.) The following explains the typical applications of chemotherapy treatments. 

• Adjuvant therapy: Following surgery, chemotherapy may be administered to lower the chance of cancer recurrence. 
• Neoadjuvant therapy: To reduce the tumor before surgery, chemotherapy may be used. This will increase the success of the procedure. 
• Concurrent therapy: Chemotherapy doses may be changed in combination with other treatments (radiation and chemo). It is typically used for cancer kinds that are resistant or aggressive. 
• Palliative chemotherapy can also be used to treat advanced cancer symptoms, enhance quality of life, and lengthen life. 

Chemotherapy Administration: 

The majority of chemotherapy is administered as systemic therapy, which allows the medications to destroy cancer cells practically everywhere in the body as they circulate through the circulation. A patient may get chemotherapy in a variety of methods. 

1. Topical: Patients may need to apply cream-based medications to their skin. 
2. Oral: Patients may be instructed to ingest a pill or liquid containing medications to treat cancer. 
3. Injection: Drugs are injected directly into the muscles (hip, thigh, or arm) or the fatty section of the patient's arm, leg, or stomach, just beneath the skin. 
4. Intravenous: Chemotherapy is administered intravenously (IV), directly into a vein. 
5. Intra-arterial: Through the use of a needle or catheter, intra-arterial (IA) drugs are injected directly into the artery that is supplying the tumor (a soft, thin tube). 
6. Intraperitoneal: Drugs are administered intraperitoneally (IP) into the peritoneal cavity, which houses the liver, intestines, stomach, and ovaries, among other organs. This is accomplished either during surgery or by a tube that the surgeon inserts with a unique port. 
7. Intrathecal: Chemotherapy administered intrathecally (IT) involves injecting drugs into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the spinal cord and brain. 
8. Oral: The patient ingests a pill or liquid containing the medication. 

Major Side-effects:

Cells that are actively developing and dividing are typically the targets of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells fast because of their rapid growth and cell division. Chemotherapy, however, is unable to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells.

Normal cells can grow and divide more quickly than other cells in the body, including those in the digestive system and hair follicles. These cells can also be impacted by chemotherapy. Some people, but not all, may experience side effects from chemotherapy. Various chemotherapy medications have varying adverse effects. Possible negative outcomes include 

• nausea and diarrhea 
• constipation or diarrhea (often due to anti nausea medication) 
• Tiredness 
• Anemia 
• mouth ulcers or sores 
• higher chance of infection 
• greater potential for bruising 
• hair fall 
• muscle tremor 
• Sunlight sensitivity of the skin 

Once chemotherapy is finished, these side effects disappear because normal cells can normally repair the damage over time. Chemotherapy may also have long-term impacts on individuals. These are adverse reactions that persist beyond six months of chemotherapy or start years later. The advantages of chemotherapy outweigh any danger, and late consequences are uncommon.