Infusion therapy delivers medications directly into the bloodstream. This approach is commonly used in cancer treatment for various drugs and supportive care. It allows for precise dosing and ensures therapies reach their intended targets efficiently. Infusions are often employed when medications cannot be taken orally or when rapid, controlled delivery is needed for optimal effectiveness.
Understanding Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy administers fluids, medications, or nutrients through a needle or catheter, typically into a vein. This method is chosen when medications are best absorbed via the bloodstream, when patients cannot take oral medications, or when a concentrated dose is needed. Direct delivery ensures drugs reach target areas quickly.
Common administration methods include a standard intravenous (IV) line, typically in the hand or arm. For longer-term treatment, central venous catheters (CVCs) like PICC lines or implanted ports are often used. These central lines are placed in larger veins, providing stable and convenient access for repeated infusions. This direct delivery helps achieve precise dosing and consistent drug levels.
Specific Therapies Administered by Infusion
Infusion therapy delivers a range of cancer treatments, not just chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is often delivered in cycles, allowing the body time to recover.
Immunotherapy is another infused treatment. These medications enhance the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs stimulate the immune system or block proteins that prevent immune cells from targeting cancer. Targeted therapy, also given by infusion, focuses on specific molecular changes within cancer cells, aiming to stop their growth while minimizing harm to healthy cells.
Beyond cancer-fighting drugs, infusions also provide supportive care. This includes hydration to prevent dehydration, anti-nausea medications to manage treatment-related sickness, and blood transfusions to address anemia or low blood counts. These supportive infusions help manage symptoms, reduce side effects, and improve a patient’s overall well-being throughout their cancer treatment journey.
The Infusion Process
The infusion process typically begins with preparation, which may involve blood tests to ensure treatment safety. Patients might also receive pre-medications, such as anti-nausea drugs or steroids, to manage potential side effects during the infusion. Hydration is often encouraged before the session to make veins more accessible and counteract dehydrating effects of some medications.
Infusions usually take place in outpatient clinics, dedicated infusion centers, or hospital settings, often in comfortable chairs or recliners. The duration of an infusion can vary widely, ranging from a few minutes for a quick injection to several hours for standard infusions, or even multiple days for continuous infusions, sometimes managed with a portable pump at home. During the session, nurses monitor the patient for any reactions and check vital signs. Patients are encouraged to bring items for comfort or entertainment, such as books, headphones, or blankets, to pass the time.
Managing Potential Effects
Infusion therapies for cancer can lead to various side effects, which vary depending on the specific medications and individual patient response. Common effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and changes in blood counts, such as lowered white blood cells or platelets. Not every patient experiences all side effects, and their severity can differ greatly.
Healthcare teams employ several strategies to manage these potential effects. Anti-nausea medications are frequently prescribed to prevent or reduce sickness. Patients are often advised on dietary adjustments and maintaining good hydration. For issues like hair loss, scalp cooling systems may be offered to reduce its severity.
Nurses and doctors closely monitor patients during and after infusions, providing guidance on how to report symptoms and when to seek immediate medical attention, such as for fever or unusual bleeding. Supportive care infusions, like blood transfusions or fluids, also help mitigate some effects.