Quimioterapia is a category of medical treatments that use powerful drugs to destroy, shrink, or control the growth of cancer cells. As a systemic therapy, chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, making it effective for treating both localized and metastatic cancers. It is often used alone or in combination with other modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the cancer type, stage, and patient profile.
Quimioterapia may be administered intravenously, orally, or through localized delivery systems. Treatment regimens are typically organized into cycles, allowing for recovery periods between doses. While chemotherapy is highly effective in many cancer cases, it is also associated with side effects due to its impact on healthy, fast-growing cells like those in the hair, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract.