How chemotherapy is given
Chemotherapy is administered in different ways, depending on the drugs to be given and
the type of cancer. Doctors decide the dose of chemotherapy drugs considering many
factors, among them being the patient's height and weight.
Chemotherapy may be given by one or more of the following methods:
- Orally
- By injection
- Through a catheter or port
- Topically.
Oral chemotherapy is given by mouth in the form a pill, capsule, or liquid. This is the
easiest method and can usually be done at home.
Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy is injected into a vein.
A small needle is inserted into a vein on the hand or lower arm. The needle is usually
attached to a small tube called a catheter, which delivers the drug to the needle from an
IV bag or bottle.
Intramuscular (IM) chemotherapy
Intramuscular (IM) chemotherapy is injected into a muscle. Chemotherapy given by
intramuscular injection is absorbed into the blood more slowly than IV chemotherapy.
Because of this, the effects of IM chemotherapy may last longer than chemotherapy given
intravenously. Chemotherapy may also be injected subcutaneously (SQ or SC), which means
under the skin. Injection of chemotherapy directly into the cancer is called intralesional
(IL) injection.
Chemotherapy may also be given by a catheter or port permanently inserted into a
central vein or body cavity. A port is a small reservoir or container that is placed in a
vein or under the skin in the area where the drug will be given. These methods eliminate
the need for repeated injections and may allow patients to spend less time in the hospital
while receiving chemotherapy. A common location for a permanent catheter is the external
jugular vein in the neck. Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is administered into the
abdominal cavity through a catheter or port. Chemotherapy given by catheter or port into
the spinal fluid is called intrathecal (IT) administration. Catheters and ports may also
be placed in the chest cavity, bladder, or pelvis, depending on the location of the cancer
to be treated.
Topical chemotherapy
Topical chemotherapy is given as a cream or ointment applied directly to the cancer.
This method is more common in treatment of certain types of skin cancer |