Technology Used to Treat Cancer Patients With Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, also referred to as chemo, is a commonly used treatment for cancer that works by targeting fast-growing cells like cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Function

Chemotherapy can be used to eliminate cancer, stop its growth or ease pain or discomfort caused by a large tumor.

Types

Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways, including through pills, injections, intravenously (through an IV), topical creams or intraperitoneally, when the chemotherapy goes directly into the peritoneal cavity.

Catheters

IV chemotherapy is often administered through a catheter or a port. A catheter is a small tube placed in a vein in your chest that stays throughout your treatment. Catheters can be used to administer chemotherapy and draw blood.

Ports

Ports are small discs surgically inserted into your chest that connect to a vein. Like catheters, ports can be used to administer chemotherapy and draw blood.

Benefits

Ports and catheters are painless ways of quickly drawing blood or inserting an IV. If you have a port or catheter, you won't need an IV in your arm or hand.

References

• Chemotherapy and You
• Chemotherapy