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.