Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

CHEMOTHERAPY ONLY

This is a general chemotherapy designation rather than a specific drug, referring to cytotoxic agents that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.

This is a general chemotherapy designation rather than a specific drug, referring to cytotoxic agents that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Used for Various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies (specific indication depends on chemotherapy regimen used).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Chemotherapy encompasses multiple drug classes with different mechanisms, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, topoisomerase inhibitors, and microtubule-targeting agents. These drugs generally work by damaging DNA, disrupting cell division, or interfering with essential cellular processes to induce cancer cell death. The specific mechanism depends on which chemotherapy agent(s) are being used in the treatment regimen.

Approved indications

• Various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies (specific indication depends on chemotherapy regimen used)

Common side effects

• Myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Alopecia
• Mucositis
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation

Key clinical trials

• Testing the Addition of a New Anti-Cancer Drug, Triapine, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Cisplatin) During Radiation Therapy for Advanced-stage Cervical and Vaginal Cancers (PHASE3)
• Durvalumab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, DURVA+ Trial (PHASE2)
• A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) in People With Breast Cancer (MK-2870-032) (PHASE3)
• Becotatug Vedotin for LA-NPC With a Suboptimal Response to Induction Chemotherapy Combined With Immunotherapy (PHASE2)
• Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) Alone or in Combination With Immunotherapy Vaccine PRGN-2009 in Subjects With Newly Diagnosed HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal (Head and Neck) Cancer (PHASE2)
• Testing the Addition of Radium Therapy (Radium-223 Dichloride) to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Paclitaxel) for Advanced Breast Cancer That Has Spread to the Bones (PHASE2)
• A Study Comparing Anitocabtagene Autoleucel to Standard of Care Therapy in Participants With Relapsed/ Refractory Multiple Myeloma (PHASE3)
• Durvalumab as Consolidation for Patients LS-SCLC (PHASE2)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.