Cancer Medications: Treating Cancer with Medications

Cancer medications are prescribed to treat cancer by destroying or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. These medications may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.

Cancer Medications FAQ

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Can a cancer drug be used to treat cancer?

To treat cancer, your doctor may recommend one type of oncology drug or a combination of drugs alongside surgery, radiation, or other types of treatment. Before deciding to move forward with a cancer drug, learn as much as you can about the recommended treatment.

What are the different types of cancer drugs?

There are many cancer drugs and cancer drug combinations. They have individual side effects. The list includes chemotherapy, hormone therapies, targeted cancer drugs, immunotherapy drugs and bisphosphonates. The drugs are listed in alphabetical order by pharmacy (generic) name and brand name.

Which cancer drugs have individual side effects?

They have individual side effects. The list includes chemotherapy, hormone therapies, targeted cancer drugs, immunotherapy drugs and bisphosphonates. The drugs are listed in alphabetical order by pharmacy (generic) name and brand name. Find information about individual cancer drugs, cancer drug combinations and their side effects.

What types of drugs are used for cancer treatment?

The types of drugs (medicines) used for the treatment of cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These treatments may be used on their own, in combination (for example, you may have chemotherapy together with radiation therapy) or one after the other (for example, chemotherapy first, then surgery).

What types of cancer treatments are available?

The cancer treatment or combination of treatments you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have, if it has spread, your general health and your preferences. Cancer treatments that involve medicines are chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. Surgery, ablation and radiotherapy are other forms of cancer treatments.