Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Neeraj Goel, MCh (GI Surgery)
Designation: Director – GI Oncology, GI & HPB Surgery
Hospital: Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi
Review Date: October 2, 2026
Chemotherapy is a systemic cancer treatment that uses specialized medicines to target, destroy, and stop the growth and division of cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike surgery and radiation therapy, which primarily provide localized disease control, chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream and can treat cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary tumor.
In modern gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and abdominal oncology, chemotherapy is commonly integrated into a multidisciplinary treatment plan. It may be given before surgery to shrink or control a tumor, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or as part of treatment for advanced disease.
In selected patients, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be used during surgery to deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. Dr. Neeraj Goel works alongside medical oncology and other cancer specialists at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital to coordinate surgical and systemic cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy may be used at different stages of cancer treatment depending on the cancer type, stage, pathology, molecular characteristics, and overall treatment plan.
Cancer cells typically grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. Different chemotherapy medicines interfere with processes that cancer cells need to survive, reproduce, or repair their DNA.
Because chemotherapy can affect some healthy cells that divide rapidly, temporary side effects may occur. The type and severity depend on the specific medicines, doses, treatment schedule, and individual health.
Many chemotherapy treatments are administered through specialized outpatient oncology daycare services, allowing patients to return home the same day when clinically appropriate.
For multi-drug regimens or prolonged infusions, a Chemoport or PICC line may be recommended. These central venous access devices can make repeated chemotherapy administration easier and reduce the need for repeated peripheral needle access.
Some cancer medicines, such as capecitabine, are available in tablet form. Oral chemotherapy still requires careful dosing, monitoring, and regular communication with the oncology team.
In selected gastrointestinal and abdominal cancers, chemotherapy and surgery are carefully coordinated to improve disease control and, in appropriate patients, make previously difficult tumors suitable for potentially curative surgery.
Maintaining adequate nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and emotional support can help patients manage cancer treatment and maintain strength.
Dr. Neeraj Goel is a Senior GI & HPB Surgical Oncologist who provides integrated surgical cancer care in collaboration with medical oncology and other multidisciplinary specialists.
His clinical focus includes advanced robotic cancer surgery, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary oncology, organ-preserving treatment strategies, CRS & HIPEC, and coordinated transitions between systemic chemotherapy and curative-intent surgery when appropriate.
At Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, patients with complex gastrointestinal cancers can benefit from coordinated multidisciplinary evaluation and individualized treatment planning.
Chemotherapy is a systemic cancer treatment using anti-cancer medicines that travel through the bloodstream. Depending on the drug, chemotherapy interferes with cancer cell DNA production, cell division, or other processes required for cancer cells to survive and multiply.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink or control a tumor. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery to treat microscopic cancer cells that may remain. Palliative chemotherapy is used for selected advanced cancers to control disease, relieve symptoms, and maintain quality of life.
Many chemotherapy treatments are given as outpatient infusions in a specialized oncology daycare. Depending on the medicine, chemotherapy may be given intravenously through an IV or Chemoport, or taken orally as tablets. Hospital admission may be necessary for certain intensive or prolonged treatments.
A Chemoport is an implanted central venous access device that allows chemotherapy and other medicines to be administered through a large vein. It can be useful for patients who require repeated or prolonged intravenous treatment.
Not necessarily. The likelihood of nausea and vomiting varies according to the chemotherapy regimen. Modern antiemetic medicines can significantly reduce these symptoms, and your oncology team can prescribe appropriate preventive treatment.
No. Hair loss depends on the specific chemotherapy medicines and doses used. Some treatments cause significant hair loss, while others cause little or no hair thinning. When chemotherapy-related hair loss occurs, it is generally temporary.
Chemotherapy is commonly given in cycles consisting of treatment followed by a recovery period. The number of cycles and overall duration depend on the cancer type, stage, treatment objective, specific regimen, and the patient's response and tolerance.
Many patients can continue some normal activities and work during chemotherapy, although energy levels may vary. A balanced, protein-rich diet, adequate hydration, safe food practices, and appropriate physical activity can support recovery. Your individual diet should be discussed with your oncology or nutrition team.
Chemotherapy can temporarily reduce neutrophils, which help the body fight infection. A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during chemotherapy can indicate a serious infection and requires urgent medical evaluation, particularly if the white blood cell count is low.
HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. In selected patients with peritoneal surface cancers, visible tumor deposits may first be removed surgically and heated chemotherapy is then circulated within the abdominal cavity. This differs from systemic chemotherapy, which travels throughout the body through the bloodstream.
Doctors assess treatment response using a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, blood tests, tumor markers when appropriate, and imaging such as CT or PET-CT. The timing and type of assessment depend on the cancer and treatment regimen.
The timing of surgery varies according to the cancer type, chemotherapy regimen, response to treatment, blood counts, nutritional status, and overall recovery. The multidisciplinary cancer team determines the safest and most appropriate surgical timing for each patient.
