NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Chemotherapy

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the use of powerful, anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Often, it is not the primary therapy for prostate cancer patients, but may be used when prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland, or in combination with other therapies.

According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy is not effective against early prostate cancer. Although it may slow tumor growth and reduce pain, it has had limited success for the treatment of advanced disease.

How is chemotherapy administered?

The anti-cancer drugs are given to patients either intravenously (injected into a vein), by mouth, or by injection. The drugs kill or cause damage to cancer cells, but may also damage normal cells. Hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and to control chemotherapy's side effects.

What are the most common side effects of chemotherapy?

Common side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drug used, the dosage, and the length of treatment, and may include the following:

• nausea and vomiting
• hair loss
• anemia
• reduced ability of blood to clot
• mouth sores
• increased likelihood of developing infections 
• fatigue

Side effects, and the degree to which they are experienced, differ. Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped.