Chemotherapy refers to treatment with drugs, or chemicals, in precisely measured doses designed to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. For many years, chemotherapy has been used to treat metastatic cancer.

Chemotherapy is especially effective against leukemias, lymphomas, testicular cancer, and Hodgkin's disease. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment against cancers in their microscopic stages. Chemotherapy may also be recommended to further ensure that micrometastatic disease is eradicated. Combination chemotherapy, in which a selection of drugs is given in planned sequence, can help prevent the build-up of resistance, and make a dramatic difference in the outcome of some forms of cancer.

Chemotherapeutic drugs may temporarily damage healthy cells, and as a result patients may experience side effects from the treatment. These may include nausea, vomiting, general weakness and diarrhea. Patients may also experience decreased libido, but in almost all cases, this is temporary.

New drugs have become available in the past five years that greatly reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting and accelerate recovery of the damaged cells. Fortunately, hair loss, which many patients cite as the most distressing side effect of chemotherapy, is temporary.