Most chemo drugs are given to you through a tiny plastic tube, or catheter, which is put into a vein in your forearm or hand. This method is called intravenous, or IV. Intravenous drugs are given in these ways:

• The drugs can be given quickly through IV tubing right from a syringe over a few minutes; this is called an IV push.

• An IV infusion can last 30 minutes to a few hours. A mixed drug solution flows from a plastic bag.

• Continuous infusions are sometimes needed and can last from 1 to 7 days.

Catheters and needles can scar or weaken veins with ongoing chemo. Another option is the central venous catheter (CVC). The CVC is a catheter that placed in the chest or upper arm area during surgery. It can stay in place to give access to a large vein. Blood can be drawn from these catheters. Drugs can be injected directly into the CVC, or through an IV connected to the CVC. Many different kinds of CVCs are available. Many people talk about this option with their doctor even before starting treatment. Some find out during treatment that they need a CVC because their hand and arm veins are not good enough to complete the planned chemo. Your doctor can help you decide if you need a CVC, and the right type of CVC for you.

Depending on the drugs and where the cancer is located, your chemo also may be given in one or more of these ways:

• Orally or PO – This means by mouth. You swallow the drug in a pill, capsule, or liquid form just as you do other medicines. This method is usually more convenient and may be less expensive because the drugs can be taken at home. If you take chemo drugs by mouth, it is very important to take the exact dosage, at the right time, for as long as it has been prescribed for you. For more information please call us and ask for Oral Chemotherapy: What You Need to Know.

• Intravenous or IV – The chemo is injected through a needle or catheter into a vein.

• Intrathecal or IT – The drug is injected into the spinal canal. You may either get an injection directly into your spine or into a long-term catheter and port that is put under the skin on your head during surgery. This is called an Omaya reservoir. The port is a small drum-like device that has a small tube attached to it. The tube goes in to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in your spinal canal.

• Intra-arterial – The chemo drug is injected directly into an artery to treat a single area (such as the liver, an arm, or leg). This method limits the effect of the drug on other parts of the body.

• Intracavitary – Chemo drugs are given through a catheter into the abdominal cavity (the space around the bowels and other organs in the belly) or chest cavity (the space around the lungs and other organs in the chest).

• Intramuscular or IM – The drug is injected through a needle into a muscle.

• Intralesional – The drug is injected through a needle directly into a tumor in the skin, under the skin, or in an internal organ.

• Topical – The medicine is put right on to an area of cancer on the skin.

Last Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008