Final answer:
Chemotherapy drugs are typically given intravenously directly into the bloodstream. This method enables the targeting of rapidly dividing cancer cells but can cause side effects due to the impact on healthy cells as well. Combination chemotherapy using drugs with different mechanisms lowers the chance of resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemotherapy Medication Dispersion
Chemotherapy medications and investigational drugs are typically administered intravenously. According to Figure 21.7.5, these drugs are often delivered directly into the bloodstream via a catheter in a vein, ensuring rapid distribution and action within the body. The method of delivery is crucial as chemotherapy aims to target rapidly dividing cancer cells, leveraging the fact that these cells - including abnormal white blood cells (WBCs) in cases like ALL - divide much faster than most normal cells.
Goals and Processes in Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy serves to halt the growth and spread of cancer, often employing a combination chemotherapy approach. This involves utilizing multiple drugs simultaneously, each with distinct mechanisms of action to reduce the likelihood of cancer cells developing resistance. These regimens have resulted in significant advancements, such as turning ALL in children from a fatal disease into a largely curable one.
Adverse Effects
However, chemotherapeutic agents are not without side effects, primarily due to their non-specific action. The toxicity to rapidly dividing healthy cells, such as those in hair follicles and the digestive system, results in common side effects like hair loss and gastrointestinal distress. Targeted therapies aim to mitigate these effects by focusing on cancer-specific processes.