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Treatment for cancer

Cancer drugs

There are many different types of cancer drugs. Some treat cancer and others help to relieve symptoms such as sickness and pain. The type of drugs you have depends on what type of cancer you have.

Knowing more about how these drugs work, how you have them and their possible side effects can help you cope with treatment.

Find out about treatment for your cancer type

Last reviewed: 02 Jul 2026

Next review due: 02 Jul 2029

Reviewed by 

This section is written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thanks to the expert cancer pharmacists.

  • Amrit Atwal, Clinical trials and ChemoCare Pharmacist, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

  • Lucy Cox, Oncology and Medicines at Home Pharmacist, Velindre Cancer Centre

  • Elizabeth Davies, Consultant Pharmacist Adult Haematology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

  • Alia Nizam, Specialist Oncology Pharmacist, Cancer Research UK information lead

  • Jo Parkes, Pharmacy Clinical Lead – Cancer Services, Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust

  • Poonam Patel, Deputy Lead Haematology and Oncology Pharmacist – Private Care, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London

  • Michal Sladkowski, Advanced Oncology Pharmacist at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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