What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses powerful drugs to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, most commonly cancer cells. It is one of the primary modalities for cancer treatment, alongside surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The term "chemotherapy" literally means "chemical therapy," reflecting its use of chemical agents to combat disease. While it is most associated with cancer, chemotherapy can also treat certain autoimmune diseases and bone marrow disorders. This versatile yet complex treatment has saved countless lives but comes with significant challenges due to its side effects and impact on healthy cells. #### Historical Background The origins of chemotherapy trace back to the early 20th century, rooted in unexpected discoveries. During World War I, scientists observed that mustard gas, a chemical weapon, suppressed bone marrow activity, reducing white blood cell counts. This led to the hypothesis that similar compounds could target...