The risk of developing cancer is one in two for men and one in three for women, according to the National Cancer Institute. While the overall cancer rate in the United States is still high, emerging treatment alternatives over the last 30 years have reduced the death rate associated with this disease. These cancer treatment strategies include the use of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
IV Chemotherapy
One of the most common forms of chemotherapy used as a cancer treatment is delivered to a patient through an intravenous (IV) procedure. A needle is inserted into a vein, and the drug is slowly delivered to the body from a hanging bag. IV chemotherapy can also be administered into a catheter or port, which provides semi-permanent vein access for frequent therapeutic sessions. When administered, the drug enters the bloodstream and is circulated throughout the body, eventually reaching its intended target.
IP Chemotherapy
Some cancers may be better treated with chemotherapy injections directly into the intraperitoneal (IP) cavity. The IP cavity is the part of your torso that holds your abdominal organs such as the intestines, stomach, liver and ovaries. A study published in the January 5, 2006, issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine" found that chemotherapy administration into the IP of patients with advanced ovarian cancer improved overall survival.
Oral Chemotherapy
Certain chemotherapy cancer drugs may also be available in pill, liquid or capsule form, and are used in the same way as other oral medications. Not all chemotherapy drugs can be administered this way because of the special formulation required for the body to absorb these drugs. Oral chemotherapy drugs may be just as effective as other methods in controlling and killing cancer.
Intramuscular Chemotherapy
Some cancer drugs can be injected directly into a major muscle such as the buttocks rather than a vein. Intramuscular (IM) chemotherapy results in slower bodily absorption, which may cause a longer effectiveness of the drug. These types of treatments can be administered at home and don't require extra visits to a treatment facility.
External Beam Radiation
External beam radiation therapy refers to the use of high energy X-rays that are directed to the cancer. These high-precision beams are focused to minimize the exposure of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. According to the American Cancer Society, this type of radiation therapy is usually given on a daily basis over a period of several weeks.
Internal Radiation
Internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, refers to the implantation of a radioactive substance near a tumor. These radioactive implants can be left in place for a brief period of time, or in some cases may be made permanent. However, the permanent implants are only radioactive for a specific amount of time and are harmless if kept in place.
