Chemotherapy drugs are medications designed to treat cancer. These drugs interfere with the cancer cell’s ability to grow and multiply, helping shrink tumours, or eliminate cancer cells.
Read on to learn more about chemotherapy meds.
How chemotherapy drugs are given?
The method of administering chemo medicine depends on various factors. Here are the common ways used to administer medicines:
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Intravenous (IV) infusion
The most common method involves injecting drugs directly into a vein. This allows the medicine to circulate through the bloodstream quickly, reaching cancer cells throughout the body.
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Oral chemotherapy
Chemotherapy medications include pills or liquids that patients can take at home. While this method is convenient, it requires strict adherence to dosage schedules and careful monitoring to ensure effectiveness.
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Topical chemotherapy
Topical chemotherapy includes creams or gels that are applied to the skin. This method is less invasive and minimises systemic side effects since the drugs are absorbed at the application site. It’s often used for early-stage skin cancers or pre-cancerous conditions.
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Intrathecal chemotherapy
This method is administered into the cerebrospinal fluid through a spinal tap or an implanted device to treat brain or spinal cord cancers. It bypasses the blood-brain barrier directly, ensuring the drugs reach the central nervous system. Drugs used in this method often belong to specialised chemotherapy drugs types classified for central nervous system cancers.
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Intraperitoneal chemotherapy
This involves delivering chemo medicines directly into the abdominal cavity to target cancers like ovarian cancer. It enhances the impact of drugs on localised tumours by concentrating the medications in the abdomen while reducing exposure to the rest of the body.
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Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IA)
This method involves injecting chemotherapy meds directly into the artery that supplies blood to a localised tumour. This leads to a higher concentration of medication at the cancer site, limiting systemic exposure.
Conclusion
The understanding of chemotherapy not only helps patients feel more prepared but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. A medical professional will guide you in selecting the most suitable treatment plan. However, cancer treatments can be expensive, making financial planning just as important as medical care. A comprehensive health insurance policy can provide much-needed support by covering treatments, helping ease the financial burden during this challenging time.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.