Also known as: Oral chemotherapy; Intravenous chemotherapy; Intramuscular chemotherapy; IV chemotherapy; IM chemotherapy; Intravesical chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of medicine to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the medicines enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and can destroy cancer cells outside the target area.
Chemotherapy may be taken by mouth (orally), or it may be given through a needle into a vein (intravenously, or IV) or a muscle (intramuscular, or IM). It also may be given through a catheter directly into the abdominal cavity. This is called intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Or it may be given directly into an organ, such as the bladder. This is called intravesical chemotherapy.
Providence Cancer Center Oncology and Hematology Care Clinics offer expert, team-based care for patients with cancer or blood disorders. We work closely with patients, families and referring physicians during diagnosis, evaluation and treatment.
From the experts
Q: I'm about to have chemotherapy, and a friend is encouraging me to get acupuncture to help with the toxic side effects. Can acupuncture really help? What is the best timing for treatments?
Answer from Loch Chandler, N.D., M.S.O.M., L.Ac., acupuncture naturopath with Providence Integrative Medicine:
Q: I'm undergoing chemo, and though I am experiencing heavy-duty fatigue, I am also suffering from insomnia! Sometimes it's hard to fall asleep; other nights I wake up around 3 a.m. for an hour or two. My medical oncologist said chemo can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and prescribed Ambien. I don't like the idea of relying on a sleeping pill. Anything else I can do?
Answer from Miles Hassell, M.D., director of Providence Integrative Medicine at Providence Cancer Center:
Q: "I have stage IV lung cancer. Why is chemotherapy sometimes used to treat later stage (Stage IV) lung cancer? What would happen if I did not take chemotherapy?"
Q: "What are the different types of lung cancer and what treatments are used for each type?"
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