MODEL RELEASED. Cancer chemotherapy. Nurse adjusting an intravenous (IV) drip that is being used to supply anti-cancer drugs to a cancer patient. A wide range of chemotherapy drugs are used, sometimes in combination with other treatments such as radiotherapy or surgery. Chemotherapy may be used to remove a cancer, remove traces of cancer remaining after surgery, or simply prolong life in patients with inoperable tumours. Use of an IV drip is the most common chemotherapy method. Side-effects of chemotherapy drugs can include loss of hair, nausea and tiredness.