Chemotherapy

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Chemotherapy consists of administering "anti-cancer" medications to eliminate the cancer cells. The drugs are administered orally or by injection into the veins or muscles, and then flow through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drugs may also damage healthy cells. It is important for a physician to maintain a proper balance between drugs to offset any damage to healthy cells. It may be administered at a doctor's office, an outpatient clinic, or even at home. Sometimes hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and control side effects.

May be recommended if the prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland or if hormone therapy has failed.

Benefits and advantages:

• Outpatient procedure
• Reduces pain and other symptoms
• May help slow down tumor growth

Possible risks and side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
• Loss of hair
• Mouth sores
• Low blood cell counts (anemia)
• General fatigue