What is the term used for the use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer?

The term used for the use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves the administration of cytotoxic drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells, aiming to destroy them or inhibit their growth. This approach is essential in oncology as it can shrink tumors, eliminate cancer cells, and assist in controlling the disease.

While other modalities such as radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and biotherapy are also critical in cancer treatment, they employ different mechanisms. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, immunotherapy leverages the body's immune system to fight cancer, and biotherapy refers to the use of biological agents to stimulate the body's natural defenses against the disease. Each of these treatment types has specific applications and can be part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan, but chemotherapy is distinctly recognized for its drug-based approach to directly attacking cancer cells.