For Patients & Families
Supportive Care: Types of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can affect people in different ways depending on the type of treatment, the dose, and the part of the body being treated. Understanding the treatment you are receiving can help you recognize possible side effects and know what questions to ask.
Below is a simple overview of common types of cancer treatment and some of the side effects that may happen during or after treatment.
Chemotherapy
What it is
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It is usually given by intravenous infusion or sometimes by mouth. Chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream, which means it can affect cancer cells in different parts of the body.
Common side effects
Common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, mouth sores, appetite changes, hair loss, and low blood counts. Side effects depend on the specific drugs used.
Immunotherapy
What it is
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is often given by intravenous infusion and is used for some solid tumors and blood cancers.
Common side effects
Common side effects may include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, cough, and inflammation in different parts of the body. Some side effects can become serious if not recognized early, so new or worsening symptoms should be reported promptly.
Targeted Therapy
What it is
Targeted therapy uses drugs that act on specific features of cancer cells. These treatments are designed to interfere with how cancer cells grow and survive. Some are taken by mouth, while others are given by infusion.
Common side effects
Side effects depend on the specific treatment, but may include fatigue, diarrhea, rash, mouth sores, high blood pressure, and skin or nail changes.
Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
What it is
ADCs are a newer type of cancer treatment that combine an antibody with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody helps deliver the treatment more directly to cancer cells.
Common side effects
Side effects vary depending on the drug, but may include fatigue, nausea, low blood counts, diarrhea, and sometimes effects on the eyes or lungs. Patients should report new symptoms early.
Bispecific Antibodies
What it is
Bispecific antibodies are a newer type of treatment that helps bring immune cells into closer contact with cancer cells so the immune system can attack them more effectively.
Common side effects
Possible side effects may include fever, fatigue, low blood pressure, headache, and immune-related reactions. These treatments often require close monitoring, especially early in treatment.
Hormone Therapy
What it is
Hormone therapy works by lowering or blocking hormones that can help some cancers grow. It is commonly used for cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.
Common side effects
Common side effects may include hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, joint aches, sexual health concerns, and changes in energy.
Radiation Therapy
What it is
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in a specific area of the body. It is a local treatment, which means it mainly affects the part of the body being treated.
Common side effects
Side effects depend on the area treated, but may include fatigue, skin irritation, soreness, swallowing difficulty, bowel changes, or bladder irritation.
Surgery
What it is
Surgery is a treatment that removes cancer from the body. It may be used on its own or combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
Common side effects
Common side effects may include pain, swelling, fatigue, limited movement, wound discomfort, constipation, and changes related to healing after the operation.
A Note About Side Effects
Not everyone will have the same side effects. Some symptoms are mild and can be managed at home, while others need medical advice sooner. Always speak with your healthcare team about new, worsening, or concerning symptoms.
