There are four main types of treatment with cancer drugs which together are often known as “systemic therapy”:
- Chemotherapy – these drugs slow the process of cancer cells growing or multiplying. Also known as “cytotoxic drugs”, chemotherapy may be received as a tablet which is swallowed or by injection.
- Immunotherapy – these drugs specifically target cancer cells by inducing, enhancing or suppressing the body’s natural immune response. Some of these drugs may also be known as “monoclonal antibodies”.
- Hormonal – these treatments interfere with the role of hormones in helping some cancers to grow.
- Biological – these drugs help the immune system to fight cancer.
Find out more about how cancer drug treatments are given to patients
