How is chemotherapy delivered?

Chemotherapy is most often delivered into a vein (intravenous or IV infusion), but it can also be administered with a pill, capsule or liquid by mouth or with an infusion into a specific area of the body. Most treatments, with the exception of oral chemotherapy, will be delivered at the cancer center. While the time varies for each drug delivered, most patients receive their treatments over 2-4 hours.

Many chemotherapy drugs work best during a specific time during a cell’s growth and division process. Because of this, chemotherapy agents are not generally administered like other medications. Instead, each chemotherapy drug is delivered in a manner designed to eliminate the greatest number of cancer cells at the time of drug delivery. Chemotherapy is usually prescribed with intervals of active drug alternated with resting periods which allow the healthy tissues in the body to recover. The time from the first day of delivery of the drug(s) through the end of the rest period is referred to as a cycle. The time off of the drug(s) may last as long as 2-3 weeks. Once a cycle is completed, it will be repeated a number of times as prescribed by the physician. An entire course of chemotherapy consists of multiple, sequential cycles of treatment.

Because patients may receive multiple drugs, each of which may be delivered on a different timetable, the physician and patient care coordinators will help to set up a schedule so that patients know exactly when to come in for treatments. Drugs work the best when they are taken on schedule, so it is important for patients to try to stay on track and not miss appointments.