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Chemotherapy as a treatment for rare cancer
Overview
Chemotherapy, which uses powerful chemicals to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells, can be a critical component in the treatment of rare cancers. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery, radiation, or other types of treatments. Many rare cancers respond well to the combination of multiple chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy can be used to:
- Destroy rare cancer cells
- Reduce the likelihood of rare cancer returning
- Shrink or slow the growth of tumors that cause pain
- Ease symptoms
The most common way to deliver chemotherapy is intravenously. It goes directly into a vein through an IV. This is done at the hospital or with a pump you take home. It can also be given orally (pills/liquids), through a shot (injection), or topically (cream you rub into the skin).
Considerations
Chemotherapy is considered the standard of care for several common cancers. Chemotherapy protocols are less well-defined for rare cancers. When considering chemotherapy, it is important to work with a medical oncologist who specializes in your type of rare cancer. These specialists can help you plan for significant side effects, like nausea, vomiting, pain, and hair loss. They can also help you create a pain management strategy.
Example: Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that develops in nerve tissue. It typically affects young children. Chemotherapy is crucial for treating neuroblastoma, especially in high-risk cases. It is often used to shrink the tumor before surgery and to treat metastases, the spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
For more information about neuroblastoma, see the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation or the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society.
Additional resources
- Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
- Chemotherapy (American Cancer Society)