Chemotherapy is to use drugs to kill cancer cells which are usually fast growing, while minimizing effect on normal cells which are usually slow growing. It may be in form of intravenous infusion, injection or tablets. It is usually given in cycles starting 4-6 weeks after surgery, or as neoadjuvant treatment before surgery.

Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, hair loss, numbness of fingers. These are usually temporary and vary with different individual and the drug used. Patient should also discuss the possible long term effects with their doctor. Patients are usually referred to medical oncologist or clinical oncologist (who give both drug and radiation treatment) to receive such treatment.