At the University of Iowa Clinical Cancer Center, chemotherapy may be given in special ways. Some chemotherapy is injected through a large blood vessel and goes directly to the organ where the cancer is to kill the cells. This is called intra-arterial chemotherapy. The antineoplastic medication is given through a temporary IV line or a special pump placed in the body.

A procedure related to intra-arterial chemotherapy is called chemoembolization. An IV line is inserted into an artery, antineoplastic drugs are injected, and the artery to the organ is then "plugged" so that the drug remains in the organ to help kill the cancer cells. This procedure normally requires a one or two night hospital stay.

Chemotherapy may need to be given into the central nervous system, into the brain or spine. This can be done through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or may be given through a special reservoir placed in the scalp. This allows chemotherapy to be given directly into the central nervous system to control cancers that have spread to the brain and spine.

Another method of giving chemotherapy is called intraperitoneal. This requires placement of a catheter into the abdomen. Chemotherapy can then be given directly into the abdomen to treat cancers of the uterus, bladder, and other organs located in the abdomen or the peritoneal cavity.

However you get your chemotherapy, your health care team at the Clinical Cancer Center will help you understand how your chemotherapy will be given so that you will have the best outcome possible.