Daycare (chemotherapy administration)
What is chemotherapy daycare?
Chemotherapy is normally given in an outpatient setting known as a chemotherapy daycare. The day-care unit will cater to patients who are obtaining infusions over a short period (generally 2-6 hours). Chemo is distributed in cycles depending on the type of cancer, the goal of therapy, and the way the body is responding.
Chemotherapy treatments may be given daily, weekly, or monthly but are normally given in 3 weekly cycles.
How is chemotherapy given?
Most chemotherapy is given straight into the bloodstream through an intravenous catheter. Intravenous drugs may be given in various ways:
- Direct IV (intravenous) push. Quick administration of chemo treatment via a syringe over a few minutes.
- Infusion therapy can last from a few minutes to a few hours. This could be a combination of medications that are given in a controlled intake through a pump.
- Steady infusion given via a pump can last from 1 to 7 days.
Constant chemo treatment can damage veins, therefore, chemotherapy can be given through various methods. Central venous catheters are bigger than IV catheters and therefore can be put in larger veins. This eradicates repeated poking due to intravenous catheters as the central venous catheters are indwelling for a longer duration (6months – 1 year). There are different types of central venous catheters(chemo ports) that are inserted either in the chest or arm.
Other Routes of chemotherapy administration:
- By mouth: chemo which can take in a pill, capsule, or even a liquid. The exact dose must be taken at the right time.
- Intrathecal (IT): IT chemo is provided in the spinal canal so that chemo can reach the brain and the spinal cord.
- Intra-arterial: chemo is given straight into an artery which would be supplying blood to the tumor
- Intracavitary: chemo drugs that are given into a confined area of the body such as the chest or abdomen.
- Intramuscular: given straight into the muscle tissue
- Topical: used on the skin in the form of a cream, gel, or ointment.
During and after (48 hours) of chemotherapy daycare:
- Nutrition is essential for post-chemotherapy. Small regular feeds are needed to support the body’s repair.
- Usually, there may be nausea and vomiting for which the doctor will specify medicines.
- As much as possible the patient should get back to his daily routine activities with adequate periods of rest
- Patients must avoid any kind of contact sports to stop injury and bleeding.
- Flush the washroom twice after it is used. Always keep the cover down whenever flushing
- If contact with a patient’s body fluid is necessary, a caretaker should wear two gloves and must clean their hands carefully twice with soap or handwash.
- Any clothes or linen which have body fluids on them should be washed in the washing machine.
- There can be hair loss as a side effect of chemotherapy. This hair loss is usually reversible.
Looking for chemotherapy daycare in Pune?
Dr. Pratik Patil is the best Cancer Specialist in Pune with experience of more than 10 years. He has special interests in chemotherapy treatment. For more information about cancer and treatment options, or to book an appointment with the best oncologist in Pune call +919637439163 or Click on Book Appointment for online booking.