Chemotherapy

Definition

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses chemical substances, particularly radioisotopes, to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It involves the administration of these substances in specific dosages to target and kill malignant cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemotherapy often uses radioisotopes such as Iodine-131 and Phosphorus-32 for targeted cancer treatment.
2. Radioisotopes in chemotherapy emit radiation that damages the DNA of cancer cells, leading to cell death.
3. The effectiveness of chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
4. Different radioisotopes are chosen based on their half-life and the type of radiation they emit, such as alpha, beta, or gamma rays.
5. Side effects of chemotherapy can include damage to healthy cells, leading to symptoms like nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.

Review Questions

• Which radioisotopes are commonly used in chemotherapy?
• How do radioisotopes destroy cancer cells during chemotherapy?
• What factors determine the choice of a specific radioisotope for chemotherapy?

Related terms

Radioisotope: An isotope of an element that emits radiation and is used in various medical treatments and diagnostics.

Half-life:

The time required for half the atoms in a sample of a radioactive substance to decay.

Radiation Therapy:

A treatment method that uses high doses of radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells by damaging their DNA.