Understanding Chemotherapy: A Comprehensive Review

Kaisar Ahmad Bhat; Satpal khushwaha; Ranjan Kumar Singh; Tanya Sharma

doi:10.61280/journalmedicinalplants.v2i3.280

Kaisar Ahmad Bhat Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901.
Satpal khushwaha Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901
Ranjan Kumar Singh Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901.
Tanya Sharma Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61280/journalmedicinalplants.v2i3.280

Keywords:

Chemotherapy, Cancer Treatment, Cytotoxic drugs, Oncology, Drug mechanisms, Toxicity, Targeted therapy, Personalized medicine, Cancer management, Pharmacology

Abstract

Chemotherapy represents one of the most significant advancements in modern oncology, serving as a cornerstone in the treatment and management of cancer. It involves the use of potent chemical agents designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of malignant cells that exhibit uncontrolled proliferation. This comprehensive review examines chemotherapy from a multidimensional perspective, including its biological basis, historical evolution, pharmacological principles, and mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and associated toxicities. While chemotherapy has dramatically improved survival rates and transformed cancer from a fatal disease into a manageable condition in many cases, it is also associated with a wide range of adverse effects due to its impact on normal rapidly dividing cells. The review further explores recent innovations such as targeted therapy, personalized medicine, and nanotechnology, which aim to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity. By providing an in-depth understanding of chemotherapy, this article highlights its critical role in cancer care and emphasizes the importance of continued research and patient-centered approaches in oncology.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Kaisar Ahmad Bhat , Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901.

Assistant Professor

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Satpal khushwaha , Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901

Assistant Professor

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

Ranjan Kumar Singh, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tanya Sharma, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India -312901.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

References

Pérez-herrero E, Fernández-medarde A. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics Advanced targeted therapies in cancer : Drug nanocarriers , the future of chemotherapy. 2015;(March).

Ranjan Kumar Singh, J Pavan Kumar, Chennu MM Prasada Rao, Rajeswari Tannairu, Ajay Garg. Recent Developments in Quercetin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Cancer Targeting. Trop J Pharm Life Sci. 2025;12(1):11–23.

Satpal, Dr Gaurav Kumar Sharma DKKC. AYURvEDIC THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF COvID-19. J Indian Res [Internet]. 2022;10(2):86–106. Available from: https://jir.mewaruniversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/86-106 Satpal, Dr Gaurav Kumar Sharma, Dr Kaushal Kishore Chandrul.pdf

Argyriou AA, Polychronopoulos P, Iconomou G, Koutras A, Makatsoris T, Gerolymos MK, et al. Incidence and characteristics of peripheral neuropathy during oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for metastatic colon cancer. Acta Oncol (Madr). 2007;(March):1131–8.

Ranjan Kumar Singh*1, Satpal Kushwaha2, Mantun Prasad Gupta3, Ajay Garg4, Dr. Vaibhav Saxena5 FA. PHARMACOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF MEDICINAL FLORA WITH ANTIDIARRHEAL PROPERTIES : INTEGRATING TRADITIONAL WISDOM. Int J Pharm Res Med Plants. 2025;01(December):1–10.

Saber-moghaddam N, Salari S, Hejazi S, Eslami S, Mahdi S, Taherzadeh Z, et al. Oral nano-curcumin formulation efficacy in management of mild to moderate hospitalized coronavirus disease-19 patients : An open label nonrandomized clinical trial. Res Artic. 2021;2019(December 2020):1–8.

Cull A, Gerven JMA Van, Moll JWB, Bent MJ Van Den, Bontenbal M. Paclitaxel ( Taxol ) Induces Cumulative Mild Neurotoxicity. 1990;1074–7.

Cavaletti G, Cornblath DR, Merkies ISJ, Postma TJ, Rossi E, Frigeni B, et al. The chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy outcome measures standardization study : from consensus to the fi rst validity and reliability fi ndings. Orig Artic Ann Oncol Ann Oncol. 2013;(August 2012):454–62.

Lyman GH, Kuderer NM. Epidemiology of Febrile Neutropenia. Support Cancer Ther [Internet]. 2003;1(1):23–35. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3816/SCT.2003.n.002

Bianchi G, Vitali G, Caraceni A, Ravaglia S, Capri G, Cundari S, et al. Symptomatic and neurophysiological responses of paclitaxel- or cisplatin-induced neuropathy to oral acetyl- L -carnitine. 2005;41:1746–50.

Nikanjam M, Kato S, Kurzrock R. Liquid biopsy: current technology and clinical applications. J Hematol Oncol [Internet]. 2022;15(1):1–14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-022-01351-y

Vardy J, Chiew KS, Galica J, Pond GR, Tannock IF. Side effects associated with the use of dexamethasone for prophylaxis of delayed emesis after moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Br J Cancer. 2006;94(7):1011–5.

Zhang Y, Martin SG. Redox Proteins and Radiotherapy Statement of Search Strategies Used and Sources of Information Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox Antioxidants and Redox Proteins. Clin Oncol [Internet]. 2014;26(5):289–300. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2014.02.003

Marx WM, Teleni L, Mccarthy AL, Vitetta L, Mckavanagh D, Thomson D, et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic literature review. Nutr Rev. 2013;71(4):245–54.

Lee A, Baker TS, Bederson JB, Rapoport BI. Levels of autonomy in FDA-cleared surgical robots: a systematic review. npj Digit Med. 2024;7(1):1–8.

Schmidt M. Dose-Dense Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Shortening the Time Interval for a Better Therapeutic Index. Breast Care. 2016;11(1):22–6.

Reeves CB, Palmer SL, Reddick WE, Merchant TE, Buchanan GM, Gajjar A, et al. Attention and Memory Functioning Among Pediatric Patients with Medulloblastoma. St Jud Child Res Hosp. 2006;31(3):272–80.

Robinson LA, Klesges RC, Zbikowski SM, Glaser R. Predictors of Risk for Different Stages of Adolescent Smoking in a Biracial Sample. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1997;65(4):653–62.

Hanson K, Allen S, Jensen S, Hatsukami D. Treatment of adolescent smokers with the nicotine patch. Nicotine Tob Res Vol 5, Number 4 (August. 2003;5(4):515–26.

Baker C, Chapman Y, Allen HJ, Bosserman LD, Patel R, Sanchez JD, et al. A Phase II Study of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel Therapy in Patients with Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma. 2003;

Stadler WM, Kuzel TM, Raghavan D, Levine E, Vogelzang NJ, Roth B, et al. Metastatic Bladder Cancer : Advances in Treatment. Eur J Cancer. 1997;33:23–6.

Tyc VL, Lensing S, Klosky J, Rai SN, Robinson L. A Comparison of Tobacco-Related Risk Factors Between Adolescents With and Without Cancer. St Jud Child Res Hosp. 2003;

Durand-dubief M, Svensson JP, Persson J, Ekwall K, Svensson JP, Persson J, et al. termination Topoisomerases , chromatin and transcription termination a n d e s i o s c i e n c e o n o t d i s t r i b u t e. 2015;1264(November).

Anjali, Keshav K. Rohilla, Karan Yadav, Gaurav, Dheeraj Kumar, Nidhi Chopra SK. Impact of Iodine Deficiency on Neurodevelopment: A Review of Global Trends, Maternal Health, and Preventive Strategies. Int J Newgen Res Pharm Healthc [Internet]. 2023;90(2):129–34. Available from: 10.61554/ijnrph.v3i2.2025.184