Chemotherapy is used conventionally in the highest dose possible to quickly kill the maximum possible amount of cancer cells. In situations where the cancer is metastatic already, this may be a short sighted approach. The effect on vitality and the immune system is debilitating and cancer ultimately becomes resistant to treatments. With low-dose chemotherapy, we manage cancer like a chronic illness. Lower doses of chemotherapy are given at regular intervals, keeping toxicity low but pressure on the cancer high. Studies are finding that especially in stage
4 disease, metronomic chemotherapy has the potential to maximize survival, quality of life and minimize toxicity.