9 October 2019 Chemotherapy treatments involve a number of medications. The type and combination of medications, route of administration, intervals between treatments and total duration of treatment depend on many factors, especially: The type of disease; Its stage of development; Each patient’s specific characteristics. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning the medication reaches the whole body. These medicines can be administered in several ways: Orally in tablet form; Intravenously; Topically; Application in a body cavity. The side effects of these treatments depend on the medications, doses, duration of treatment and individual factors. Its intensity is variable and is also related to individual sensitivity. Side effects may present a few days or weeks after starting treatment or even months or years after treatment. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.