Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

What is Chemotherapy? 

Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a very common treatment that uses anticancer medication to fight cancer cells. The drugs are designed to keep cancer cells from growing or reproducing. The types of chemotherapy drugs used and the order in which they are given depends on the type of cancer. Sometimes chemo is used along with other cancer treatments such as radiation or surgery. Chemo can be very effective, but because it reaches all areas of the body and not just the cancer cells, it can cause various side effects. Your cancer team will help you and your child prepare for these. 

How will my child receive chemotherapy? 

Depending on the situation and the type of cancer, your child’s care team may decide to give chemo in one of several forms: 

• A pill or liquid (by mouth) 
• A shot into muscle or fat tissue (injection) 
• Into the bloodstream through a vein (intravenously) 
• Into the spinal canal (intrathecal) 
• Directly into a body cavity 

Your Care Team

You will not be in this alone. You and your child will be part of a team focused completely on your child’s care and healing. You will form important relationships with the nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist and other experts specializing in childhood cancer. Members of your child’s care team will be available to you at any time to answer questions or address concerns.  

Our providers

• Jason Glover, M.D.
• Colette Lauhan, M.D.
• Janice Olson, M.D., MHA, clinical director 
• Nameeta Penkar Richard, M.D. 
• Kelsie Storm, M.D.

Our nurses specialize in care and compassion  
All of our nurse practitioners are specially trained in childhood cancers, which means you can rely on them for care and understanding as your child goes through cancer treatment.

• Patricia D. Vrooman, R.N., MSN, CPNP, CPON 

Where my child will get their treatment? 

Our goal is to decrease the stress as much as possible for your child and family, during your cancer treatment journey. You will find our Day Treatment unit a welcoming location featuring private family rooms with large windows overlooking a garden terrace. Within this comforting environment, your child can receive infusions or treatments while being close to you. This family-focused approach ensures that the physical and emotional needs of your child are fully met during their cancer treatment.  

Types of chemo treatments and their location types 

• “Short” chemotherapy – Clinic 
• “Medium” chemotherapy – Day Hospital (Day Treatment) 
• “Long” chemotherapy – Overnight hospital  

What side effects will my child have? 

Every child reacts to chemo a little differently, and some drugs may have different side effects. These can range from mild inconveniences like drowsiness to more troublesome issues like nausea and hair loss. In general, you can expect a mix of good and bad days for your child while they receive chemo treatments. Part of our treatment plan is to lessen the bad side effects as much as possible so your child can have relief and you can have peace of mind. 

Clinical Trials  

We will never stop fighting until there is a cure for all cancers. That’s why we actively participate in clinical trials, which incorporate innovative medicines and treatments leading to higher cure rates for many childhood cancers and fewer side effects along the way. We collaborate with and consult experts around the globe to identify the most effective treatment for your child's condition. As a member of the Children's Oncology Group, we offer the latest trial protocols that represent the best care available. Please visit our clinical trials page to see our current trials. 

Get Connected & Stay Informed   

MyHealth gives you access to your child's medical records. View test results, diagnoses, medications, follow-up instructions, make an appointment and more.   

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