WHAT IS ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY ?

Adjuvant chemotherapy is a term, that explains the role of chemotherapy in comparison to the other cancer treatments. It is an additional treatment, that is given, to destroy the left-over (microscopic) cells that may be present after the known tumor is removed by surgery. It is done to prevent a possible cancer re-occurrence.

Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often given after the surgery for many types of cancer, such as colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and some gynecological cancers.

This fights cancer by hampering the growth process of cancer cells, letting the cells to die. It is called a systemic treatment, as it affects the entire body. This is given as an injection into a vein or as a pill that can be taken by mouth. Few drugs are to be given continuously over several days, while some are given several times a week. Most of the adjuvant chemotherapy treatment schedules last for about six to eight months.