Chemotherapy is given a number of ways. Some chemotherapy is given by mouth in the form of pills or liquid. You will get a prescription from your doctor and take the chemotherapy at home just like you would any other medication.

Other chemotherapy needs to be injected under the skin or into a muscle. This can be done in the Clinical Cancer Center Chemotherapy Suite or your local doctor’s office. In some cases, you or a family member can be taught to do injections. Visiting nurses also may be able to assist you in your home.

Sometimes the chemotherapy needs to be given through an IV placed in the arm or hand. This therapy can often be given as an outpatient in the Chemotherapy Suite or at your local doctor’s office or clinic. The nurses and pharmacists in the Clinical Cancer Center are trained to provide important information about your chemotherapy, possible side effects, and how to control those side effects.

If the chemotherapy must be given over several days, you may be admitted to the hospital. There are three inpatient units in the Clinical Cancer Center where chemotherapy is administered, 3 Pappajohn East, 4 Pappajohn West, and 4 Pappajohn East as well as the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.

Sometimes chemotherapy needs to be given regularly over a period of time - several weeks or months. In this case, you may be given a special IV called a central venous catheter. These catheters provide easy access for receiving chemotherapy or blood products and can often be used for drawing blood samples. Some examples of central venous catheters are the Hickman® catheter, the port, and the peripherally inserted central catheter (called a PICC line), shown below.

Figure 1. Hickman® and Port Site

Figure 2. PICC Line Site

If these special IVs are needed, your doctor or a surgeon will insert them. These provide a more long term method for receiving chemotherapy so that you can receive your treatment without having a new IV put in every time.

Certain types of chemotherapy can be given in your home. Factors such as insurance coverage, type of therapy, and support at home need to be considered before patients can receive home chemotherapy. If you would like more information about home chemotherapy, talk with your nurse, doctor or social worker in the Cancer Clinic or call the Chemotherapy Care Coordinator at 319-384-8628. (See Chemotherapy Program)