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. Our board-certified medical oncologists provide care at the forefront of medical technology and research, and they can provide patients access to many innovative clinical trials. Our oncology-certified nurses educate patients on their disease process and treatment plan. We have financial coordinators on site with expert knowledge that will help with insurance referrals, authorizations and financial assistance. Our schedulers coordinate your appointments for return visits with our providers, infusion treatments, radiology, radiation oncology, physical therapy and other specialty providers. Our team is inspired by our patients and this encourages us to strive for excellence in meeting your needs.
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:
I completed breast cancer treatment last year with a combined chemotherapy regimen that included 5-FU, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphomide. I’ve just read that there is a new combined regimen that’s now considered more effective. Can you tell me more?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical 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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