Cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of nonmalignant disease

Abstract

The term chemotherapy refers to an ever-increasing number of drugs that work with varying specificity against the malignant cells of tumors. These drugs work in several different ways, including direct and indirect cytotoxicity and immunosuppression. This diversity of mechanisms of action has led to the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of several nonmalignant diseases. The use of cytotoxic drugs in nonmalignant disease is reviewed, and recommendations are provided for safe handling, administration, and the management of expected toxicities.