Chemotherapy Offered by Cancer Doctors at Mercy

Medical Oncology and Hematology at Mercy in Baltimore offers chemotherapy as a treatment option for a variety of cancers. Our medical oncologists, in collaboration with other Mercy cancer specialists, develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.

Mercy offers chemotherapy infusion services at multiple locations throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, also referred to as chemo, is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or medicines to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing down the growth process of cancerous cells. During chemotherapy, healthy cells are harmed, like the lining of the mouth and intestines. It also typically causes hair loss.

Who should receive Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is not for all cancer patients. Your medical oncologist at Mercy will determine if chemotherapy is a treatment option for your type of cancer. Your doctor may include other cancer therapies along with chemotherapy. 

What does Chemotherapy do?

Chemotherapy can be used for several reasons in treating cancer:

• To keep the cancer from metastasizing or spreading
• To slow the cancer growth process
• To destroy the cells that have spread to other organs
• To relieve symptoms like pain or blockages - also called palliative care
• To cure cancer

How is Chemotherapy administered?

Chemotherapy may be performed with a number of methods including:

• Injection – into the muscle of the arm, thigh, hip or under the skin of the fat portion of your arm, stomach or leg
• Intra-arterial – inserting the chemotherapy directly into the artery that feeds the cancer
• Intraperitoneal – placing the chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal region also known as the area that contains the intestines, stomach, liver and ovaries
• Intravenously – the chemotherapy goes into the vein
• Orally – chemotherapy comes in pills, capsules or liquid that you swallow
• Topically – chemotherapy cream that you rub onto your skin

What are the side effects associated with Chemotherapy?

The side effects of chemotherapy are different for each patient. For most chemotherapy patients the side effects will end when the chemotherapy treatment is over. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair Loss
• Skin changes
• Sores in the mouth and throat
• Changes in your sex life
• Fertility issues
• Memory and emotional changes