Length of IV Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is most often given by IV infusion (through a flexible tube placed in a vein). Depending on the type and number of medications, the length of your IV treatment may range from hours to days.
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| Chemotherapy is often given in an outpatient setting. |
Your IV Experience
To make this time more pleasant, wear comfortable clothes. You can also read or listen to music. Following are the most common types of IV treatment:
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Short infusion may last a few minutes to 8 hours. This type of infusion is often given in an outpatient setting. This may be in a hospital, at a clinic, or at your doctor’s office. Sometimes it’s given at home with the help of a visiting nurse.
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Long infusion may last for 8 hours or more. It may require an overnight stay or one or more days at the hospital. In some cases, long infusions may be given at home.
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Continuous infusion may last for days or weeks at a time. The medications are delivered by a portable pump that can be worn at home. This allows patients to receive chemotherapy and continue normal activities at the same time.
Publication Source:
Perry MC, Anderson CM, Donehower RC, Clinical Oncology, 3rd ed., Chapter 25 - Chemotherapy, 2004, pp 483-487
Publication Source:
Savarese D, Textbook of Primary Care Medicine, 3rd ed., Chapter 118 - Principles of Cancer Therapy, 2001, pp 1064-1071
Online Medical Reviewer:
Fischer, David S. MD
Date Last Reviewed:
8/5/2005
Date Last Modified:
7/22/2004