What Is "Cemo for Cancer"?
Explore how chemotherapy works as a cancer treatment in the U.S. Learn about its uses, how it affects the body, and which chemo drugs are most commonly prescribed.
“Cemo for cancer” is a commonly misspelled search term referring to chemotherapy, a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used for a wide range of cancers either alone or in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy is systemic, meaning it travels throughout the body and can target cancer cells that have spread beyond the primary tumor.
When Is Chemotherapy Used?
Chemotherapy may be recommended for:
Shrinking tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant chemo)
Destroying remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant chemo)
Treating advanced or metastatic cancer
Improving symptoms and quality of life in palliative care
Types of Chemotherapy
Alkylating agents – interfere with DNA (e.g., cyclophosphamide)
Antimetabolites – block DNA replication (e.g., 5-FU,methotrexate)
Anti-tumor antibiotics – disrupt DNA (e.g., doxorubicin)
Topoisomerase inhibitors – prevent cell division (e.g., irinotecan)
Mitotic inhibitors – stop cell replication (e.g., paclitaxel)
The choice depends on the cancer type, stage, and patient health profile.
Common Side Effects
Chemotherapy affects both cancerous and healthy fast-dividing cells. Side effects include:
Fatigue
Hair loss
Nausea and vomiting
Increased risk of infection
Mouth sores
Appetite changes
These effects vary based on the drug used, dose, and duration of treatment. Supportive care (anti-nausea meds, growth factors) often helps manage these symptoms.
How Chemotherapy Is Given
Intravenous (IV) – the most common method
Oral pills or capsules
Injections
Topical (for skin cancers)
Intrathecal or intraperitoneal (delivered to spinal fluid or abdominal cavity)
Treatment Duration
Treatment cycles vary but typically include:
1 day to several days of chemo, followed by a rest period
Cycles repeated over weeks or months
Some patients receive chemo for 6 months or longer
Monitoring During Chemotherapy
Patients undergo:
Blood tests (white/red cell counts, liver/kidney function)
Imaging scans (to check tumor response)
Follow-ups with oncologists and support teams