Chemotherapy uses a variety of chemicals to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. MedlinePlus says that the therapy itself is generally effective but not without harming healthy cells. There are different forms of chemotherapy, with intravenous being the most common. The type of intravenous chemotherapy and drugs used primarily depends on a patient's illness and its severity. The length of treatment is contingent on the patient's response, although side effects are expected. Individuals under a chemotherapy regimen should speak to a doctor with any questions or concerns regarding treatment.
Short-Term Chemo
Short-term intravenous chemotherapy can range from a few minutes to a few hours where administration via a tube connects to a major vein in the arm, according to the Cancer Council of Victoria, Australia. Usually a thin needle inserts into a vein in either the hand or lower portion of the arm. The cannula, or small plastic tube, connects to the vessel and remains there for the duration of treatment. There are over 50 types of intravenous drugs for cancer, which act to inhibit growth by blocking cell division. Some common drugs are carboplatin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel and doxorubicin, which treat cancers of the lungs, kidneys and prostate as well as others.
Long-Term Chemo
Long-term, or continuous, intravenous chemotherapy can last for several days. Generally, a longer, soft, thin and flexible tube inserts into a larger vein in either the upper arm or chest. This catheter, or access device, ensures a constant flow of chemotherapeutic drugs into the body. It requires an x-ray for insertion, usually done in the radiology department of a hospital for the upper arm, and surgery for the chest. There are several types of catheters for long-term therapy, according to Drugs.com. Each catheter usually causes some discomfort in patients, and bruising and irritation can occur at the site. Some doctors may prescribe a numbing agent for this region to reduce discomfort.
Continuous Fusion
Usually, at the end of each chemotherapy intravenous treatment for short and long-term cycles, the needles and tubing are disposed of. In a continuous fusion, however, a patient requires the surgical chest catheter procedure. For those with aggressive cancers, an external port for the catheter is used for easily accessible drug administration. These catheters allow patients to undergo treatment in the home and without the need of a medical facility for continuous fusions.
