How chemotherapy is given
Chemotherapy can be given into a vein, by mouth, under the skin or into the spinal fluid; the route depends on the medicine.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Topic. how chemotherapy is given.
Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.
Write down. Your questions.
Overview. The article “Chemotherapy”.
03Scientific explanation
Intrathecal: some medicines pass poorly from blood to brain, so they go straight into the fluid.
Tablets at home: ask your team about safe storage and wearing gloves.
04What happens in the body?
How chemotherapy is given
Most often it is an intravenous infusion (through a catheter or port). Some medicines are taken at home as tablets, some are injected under the skin. In ALL and some other cases a medicine is given into the spinal fluid by lumbar puncture to protect the brain (intrathecal).
In more detail
Intrathecal: some medicines pass poorly from blood to brain, so they go straight into the fluid. Tablets at home: ask your team about safe storage and wearing gloves.
The overview
This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Chemotherapy”.
05How chemotherapy is given: the steps
Four steps.
06Routes
| Route | How | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Intravenous | Drip or injection | Often needs a line |
| By mouth | Tablets, capsules | At home, on schedule |
| Intrathecal | Lumbar puncture | In ALL, to protect the brain |
07Key terms
- Intrathecal
- Into the spinal fluid.
- Infusion
- Giving fluid into a vein by drip.
08Key points
- Everyone’s plan is individual.
- Write down and bring your questions.
- Report new symptoms early.
- Do not change medicines yourself.
- For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
- Overview: “Chemotherapy”.
09Frequently asked questions
What if I miss a tablet?
Do not double the next one; call your team.
Is this the same for everyone?
No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.
Where is the overview?
In the article “Chemotherapy”.
10Questions for your doctor
Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.
What if I miss a tablet?
Is this the same for everyone?
Where is the overview?
12Sources
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
- MedlinePlus. Cancer Chemotherapy
- MedlinePlus. Leukemia
- Critical Care Medicine, 2012. Improving long-term outcomes after discharge from intensive care unit: report from a stakeholders’ conference
- ICUsteps. Guide to intensive care: glossary of ICU terms
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Delirium
- Critical Care Medicine, 2018. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients in the ICU
- Critical Care Medicine, 2017. The ABCDEF Bundle: Science and Philosophy of How ICU Liberation Serves Patients and Families
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of refractory – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Clinical Trials Information