The number of cycles of chemotherapy administered. Chemotherapy is the treatment of disease by means of chemical substances or drugs; usually used in reference to neoplastic disease. Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer achieves its antitumour effect through the use of antineoplastic drugs that inhibit the reproduction of cancer cells by interfering with DNA synthesis and mitosis. Chemotherapy may involve treatment with a single agent or a combination of two or more drugs that are administered in treatment cycles and according to a prespecified regimen or protocol. Chemotherapy cycles reflect the timing, frequency and duration of treatment. |