Cancer care is constantly improving. Cancer researchers look for possible new treatments or ways to improve existing therapies.

Advances in chemotherapy have led to:

• increased survival rates for some cancers
• more intensive therapies (stronger drugs, shorter treatments and higher doses) which may lead to longer periods of time the cancer is controlled
• different combinations of chemotherapy drugs that work better together
• treatments that are more easily tolerated and cause fewer side effects
• treatments that can be given at outpatient clinics, which shorten the time spent at a hospital
• oral medications, which are easier to take and can often replace intravenous medications
• more effective supportive care therapies*

*Supportive care therapies help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy.

Clinical trials test new treatments or treatment methods in people with cancer. You may wish to consider participating in a clinical trial.