Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells.

Whether chemotherapy can be used, and the type of drugs used, will depend on where the cancer started in the body. For example, if you have cancer of the breast that has spread to the bones, you will have the chemotherapy drugs which treat breast cancer cells.

The drugs may be given by injection into a vein (intravenously) or as tablets. Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several treatments, each treatment lasting from a few hours to a few days. This is followed by a rest period of a few weeks, which allows your body to recover from any side effects. The number of treatments you have will be planned in advance, but may be altered depending on how well the chemotherapy works.

Usually, chemotherapy is given as an outpatient. Occasionally a short stay in hospital may be necessary.

Many people are frightened about the idea of having chemotherapy because of the potential side effects that can occur. Chemotherapy can cause side effects but these will depend on the drugs used. Any side effects can usually be well controlled with medicines that your doctor can prescribe.

Chemotherapy for secondary bone cancer is designed to try and shrink the secondaries, to improve symptoms and quality of life, and to extend life if possible. For some people the chemotherapy will help to shrink the cancer leading to a reduction in the symptoms. However, for other people the chemotherapy will not have any effect on the cancer and they will have the side effects of the treatment with little benefit.

Making decisions about treatment in these circumstances is always difficult. You may need to discuss the possible benefits and disadvantages in detail with your doctor, before you decide whether you wish to have chemotherapy. If you choose not to have chemotherapy, you can still be given other treatments to control any symptoms that you have.

Our section on chemotherapy discusses the treatment and its side effects in detail. Information about individual drugs and their particular side effects are also available.