Mode of Chemotherapy Delivery
Chemotherapy drugs are delivered depending on the type of cancer and the drug used.
Chemotherapy is delivered in such a manner that it produces the barest minimum systemic damage to the individual. Depending on the type of cancer and the type of drug used, the modes of delivery may be as follows-
- Some drugs in the form tablets or capsules are to be consumed orally (busulfan and capecitabine)
- Others drugs are delivered as an intramuscular injection, on to the muscles of the leg or the buttocks.
- Some drugs may be injected subcutaneously, beneath the skin. Very fine needles are used for this purpose.
- In the case of intrathecal chemotherapy, the drugs are injected into the cerebro-spinal fluid. This is usually done in the case of leukemias and lymphomas.
- Sometimes the dugs may be delivered into certain body cavities such as the bladder or the pelvic cavity; this type of chemotherapy is called intracavity chemotherapy. The drugs are introduced through the tube and may be drained out after a period of time.
- Topical application of chemotherapy creams may be carried out for some skin cancers.
- Most chemotherapy is given intravenously. It can be carried out either in an out- patient or an in-patient set up depending upon the patient, the type and stage of cancer and the dosage of drugs.
Sometimes, a combination of chemotherapy is administered, such as oral and intravenous chemotherapy.
