Chemotherapy
Uses anticancer medicines to kill cancer.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses anticancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or to slow their growth.
How does it work?
There are many cancer-fighting drugs used in chemotherapy. Depending on your type of cancer, treatment plan and other health needs, your medical oncologists will determine which drug, or combination of drugs, is best for you.
Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as radiation or surgery. You may have more than one doctor working with you to ensure that you receive the best care and treatment for your particular cancer.
Chemotherapy may be administered in one of several ways:
- Intravenous (IV): Chemotherapy goes directly into the vein through an IV needle. Sometimes it’s necessary to place a device into your chest or arm to allow easier access to your veins. This device is used throughout your treatment, but can be removed when treatments are completed
- Injection: Chemotherapy is given as a shot in a muscle or under the skin.
- Intraperitoneal: Chemotherapy goes directly into an area that contains organs such as your intestines, stomach, liver and ovaries. This type of treatment is for cancers in the abdominal cavity.
- Topically: Medicines are applied to skin as a cream.
- Oral: Chemotherapy medicines are swallowed as a pill or taken in liquid form.
Chemotherapy at Cancer Care Northwest
Our medical oncologists are extensively trained and experienced in the use of chemotherapy to treat cancer. We also have a skilled team of oncology-trained advanced registered nurse practitioners as well as certified oncology nurses trained to administer chemotherapy. Our in-house pharmacists and technicians work with your nurses to ensure correct dosage and safe delivery of the medication.
Each of Cancer Care Northwest’s office locations has several chemo chairs equipped to deliver IV chemotherapy in a comfortable setting. Limited chemotherapy is also available at our outreach clinics.