Chemotherapy is given in schedules to maximize the damage to cancer cells while minimizing the damage to the healthy tissues in your body. Doctors design chemotherapy schedules for each individual to ensure full doses of cancer-fighting drugs are given as frequently as possible without creating side effects that are so severe the patient decides to stop treatment. Chemotherapy is usually given in on-and-off cycles to allow patients time to gain strength before their next round.
Doctors may adjust chemotherapy schedules depending on a patient's response. For example, if the side effects associated with a particular schedule are unmanageable, a doctor may give the drugs less frequently, adjust the dose, or change the type of drugs given.
Source: "How Often Will I Receive Chemotherapy Treatment? How Long Will It Last?" American Cancer Society 15 May 2008. Accessed 10 Oct. 2008 (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_7X_How_Often_Will_I_Receive_Chemotherapy_Treatment_and_How_Long_Will_It_Last.asp).
