Chemotherapy (sometimes just called ‘chemo’) is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. The drugs are call cytotoxics which means toxic to cells (cyto). There are many types of chemotherapy drugs which are often used in different combinations and at different strengths.
Most people have chemotherapy during day visits to the hospital. Some people may have chemotherapy at home if they use a portable pump or take oral medication.

Our Chemotherapy Unit also administers infusions for some chronic illnesses such as Crohns disease, arthritis, immune disorders and Multiple Sclerosis.
The Cancer Council has produced a guide on chemotherapy for people with cancer, their families and friends. You can download the booklet here.

All cells in the body grow by splitting or dividing into two cells. Cancer cells divide rapidly and grow out of control. Chemotherapy damages cells that are dividing rapidly. Most chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to target rapidly dividing cancer cells in the organs and tissues. This is known as systemic treatment. Occasionally, chemotherapy is delivered directly to the cancer. This is known as local chemotherapy.

Yes this may be possible depending on your treatment and complexity of care. Please speak to your treating consultant to liaise with consultants at LRH to determine whether this is a possibility.

Yes. This is will be discussed at your initial booking phone call.

Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. There are several types of immunotherapy and each works differently. Click here to learn more

Chemotherapy is most often given into a vein (intravenously). It is sometimes given in other ways, such as tablets you swallow (oral chemotherapy), a cream you apply to the skin or injections into different parts of the body. The choice depends on the type of cancer being treated and the chemotherapy drugs being used. Your treatment team will decide the most appropriate way to deliver the drugs.

Yes. Our research capacity continues to grow. Speak with your treating consultant for more information.

Wear something comfortable. Pack a bag. A bag for your chemo sessions could include warm clothing, healthy snacks, lip balm and something to pass the time, such as books, headphones for listening to music, or a tablet/laptop.