When youre facing treatment for cancer, you may start hearing about infusion treatments, therapies, and clinics.
Infusion treatments are commonly used to deliverchemotherapy,immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to treat cancer.
In addition, you may get infusion therapies if youre in the hospital.
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What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is one way of getting medications into your body.
The medicines delivered are given in a liquid form injected into your body over time.
The medicine typically goes into your vein (intravenously, or IV) or sometimes an artery.
However, not all chemotherapies are infusionssome are taken orally.
Other types of cancer therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies, are made from monoclonal antibodies.
Treatment with monoclonal antibodies almost always requires infusion therapy to administer.
Monoclonal antibodies arebiologic drugsthat must be administered directly into the blood or injected under the skin.
Theyre administered through infusions to treat a variety of cancers and some other conditions like autoimmune diseases.
Other Conditions That Infusion Therapy Treats
Many medicationsother than cancer treatmentsare delivered through infusion.
How you get your infusions depends on your insurance benefits and the locally available options.
Types of Lines
Infusion treatments can be administered in a variety of ways.
This procedure will need to be repeated with each infusion treatment.
The pop in of catheter used is called a peripheral IV line, or PIV.
This will also reduce discomfort and scarring at the PIV site.
These devices stay in your body for an extended period and are removed when theyre no longer required.
Its inserted during minor surgery either at a clinic or hospital.
Types of central lines include peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) and ports.
PICC linesare inserted into the upper arm, while other CVCs are inserted into the chest or neck.
These options can be left in place for months but cant get wet and need regular cleaning and maintenance.
Portsare small devices inserted under the skin in the upper chest.
They can stay in place for years, can get wet, and require limited maintenance.
Central lines are a good option for treatments that require repeated infusions over multiple months, including chemotherapies.
During Infusion
Once the line is placed, the infusion can take time to administer.
Most infusions take about an hour.
Some medications may need a longer treatment time because they are more toxic to the body at higher concentrations.
Dosing and delivery of the drugs are regulated by a machine called an IV pump.
Ask your doctor or the infusion clinic about eating before other treatments.
Ask your doctor for more information about your specific treatment course.
You may get your treatment in cycles that give your body a break between treatment courses.
These reactions can happen with your first dose or any dose of an infusion drug.
They can also occur immediately or take longer to appear.
In cancer treatment, they include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments.
Biologic drugs are often given by infusion.
The infusion can be done at a clinic or at home.
They can be administered through a peripheral line or central line.
Infusions can have side effects, depending on the drug.
But these therapies can be life-changing for people with cancer or other conditions treated by infusion drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IVIG infusion therapy?
A doctor may prescribe this treatment for various reasons.
One main reason is that the patient lacks antibodies because of a problem with their immune system.
When the body doesnt make enough antibodies, its a condition called humoral immunodeficiency.
IVIG antibodies will help fight off infections.
Treatments may be needed regularly but often are given in lower doses.
What is ketamine infusion therapy treatment?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a treatment option for nerve pain during cancer treatment.
The drug slows down the pain-sensing nerves, bringing relief and reducing your pain level.
This relief comes quickly and can last days or even weeks or longer after repeated treatments.
Youll also need someone to take you home after the infusion.
What is the difference between infusion therapy and home infusion therapy?
As infusion treatments became more popular, researchers developed protocols and techniques to administer infusions in outpatient configs.
These may include treatment centers like clinics and medical offices and now also the comfort of your own home.
A visiting nurse typically delivers home infusion therapies.
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