Chemotherapy is a potent weapon used to destroy cancer cells or halt their growth. Traveling through the bloodstream, the drugs attack invading cells and interfere with their ability to multiply. Our cancer center patients receive advanced chemotherapeutic protocols from a highly trained and specialized staff, known as much for their kindness as great skill. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, by injection into a muscle or by injection into a vein (intravenous or IV).

Patients receive their treatment in an outpatient setting. The length of time and duration of therapy varies from one person to another and is dependent upon the type of cancer being treated, the specific drugs used, and the patient's response to therapy. Some treatments take only a few minutes, while others may require several hours. Therefore, all chemotherapy must be scheduled. Arrangements will be made to meet each patient's needs.

Our goal is to help you understand your disease and treatment. Should you have any questions, ask any of the physicians or nurses associated with Gerber Memorial Health Services Cancer Treatment Center or Cancer and Hematology Centers of West Michigan .