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Cancer is no longer one disease entity, but rather more than 200 separate conditions, all having treatments specific to their individual targets and pathogenesis. Treatments for malignancies are continuously being researched and developed, based on new discoveries, clinical trial results, and real-world experience. This has resulted in a multitude of choices that can slow or stop the growth of tumours. The rates of cure or durable remissions also have increased over time, owing to the use of newer combinations of cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Palliative medicine practitioners are increasingly involved in supportive care for patients and families pursuing these options and need to have a general knowledge of the benefits and adverse effects of these therapies.