chemotherapy

The word “chemotherapy” means medical treatment using drugs, especially to destroy or slow cancer cells. In plain terms, drug-based treatment, most commonly associated with fighting cancer.

“Chemotherapy” is pronounced kee-moh-THEH-ruh-pee (/ˌkiːməʊˈθɛɹəpi/ in IPA).

Here is “chemotherapy” used in a sentence: “She started chemotherapy shortly after her diagnosis.”

“Chemotherapy” is a noun.

The word “chemotherapy” comes from Ancient Greek. A blend of chemo- (from "chemical") and therapy, itself from Ancient Greek therapeia ("treatment").

“Chemotherapy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Chemotherapy uses drugs that travel through the bloodstream to destroy or slow cancer cells throughout the body, while radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy beams aimed at a specific tumor site. Because chemotherapy circulates systemically, it tends to affect a wider range of tissue than the more localized approach of radiation.

Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which describes cancer cells but also hair follicles and the lining of the digestive tract. This is why hair loss and nausea are common during treatment, even though the drugs are acting on the intended cancer cells.

No, chemotherapy can be delivered in several ways, including intravenous infusion, oral pills, or injections, depending on the drug and the cancer being treated. The delivery method is chosen based on what gets the drug most effectively to the cancer cells.