Infusion therapies for cancer
Infusion therapies for cancer involve the administration of fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into the body, typically through a vein (intravenously). This method is particularly beneficial for cancer patients who require treatments such as chemotherapy, pain management, or antibiotics but may be unable to take oral medications. Infusion therapy facilitates rapid delivery of these substances, ensuring that critical medications reach the bloodstream effectively, especially since some drugs can be inactivated by digestive enzymes.
The procedure can be performed in clinical settings or at home, utilizing catheters or central lines for easy access. Patients are advised to stay hydrated and may need to limit sugar intake around their treatment sessions. After the procedure, close monitoring of the injection site is crucial to identify any adverse reactions, with common side effects including nausea, fatigue, and skin reactions. While infusion therapies are generally safe and effective, they do carry risks, such as infection and potential complications related to the catheter. Overall, infusion therapies play a vital role in the management of cancer treatment, offering a direct route for administering necessary care.
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Subject Terms
Infusion therapies for cancer
ALSO KNOWN AS: Central line infusions, intravenous therapy, parenteral therapy
DEFINITION: Infusion therapy is a medical procedure for the insertion of fluid, medication (such as chemotherapy, pain medications, or antibiotics), and nutrients or vitamins into the body. Fluid can be inserted either through a vein (intravenously), into a muscle (intramuscularly), into the tissue of the spinal cord (intraspinally), or under the skin (subcutaneously). Infusion therapies for cancers are typically used for pain medications, chemotherapy, and antibiotics.
Cancers treated: Cancers that require or pain management, as directed by a physician
Why performed: Infusion therapy provides the rapid delivery of medication, fluid, or nutrients to a patient, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. This is helpful for patients who can not swallow pills. Some medications must be administered intravenously because the enzymes in the stomach inactivate or break down their active ingredients.
Patient preparation: Patients must remain hydrated before and after infusion therapy, particularly when administering chemotherapy. Sugar consumption should be limited during this time frame. Many patients are recommended to participate in a low-impact stress relief program while undergoing infusion therapy.
Steps of the procedure: Infusions can be performed in a clinical setting or at home. A catheter (a thin plastic tube that covers a needle) is typically inserted into a vein (intravenous or IV) into the patient's hand or arm. The needle is removed once the catheter is inserted, but the tube remains. The fluid to be inserted is administered at a predefined rate (either “pushed” at intervals or steadily) from an infusion bag that contains the solution. The type of catheter used depends upon the length of infusion time.
A port called a central line or central venous catheter (CVC) can also be inserted into an artery in the patient’s chest to provide easy access for infusion therapy if frequent therapy is required. Other infusion therapy medications are administered into the muscles, spinal fluid, body cavity, or a particular body part or organ. Other medications are given subcutaneously, or under the skin.
While infusion therapy is commonly performed in a healthcare setting, some patients may have a pump that delivers doses of medication intravenously as the patient requires.
After the procedure: Infusion therapy is typically an outpatient procedure. Patients should pay close attention to the injection site to watch for possible infusion-related reactions. Any unexpected or serious reactions should be reported to a doctor immediately. Chemotherapy can cause a variety of side effects following administration, particularly nausea and fatigue.
Risks: Infusion therapy can lead to skin reactions including rash, bruising, burns, and tenderness, as well as fluid leakage at the site of injection. Furthermore, infusion therapy has a risk of sepsis, infection, occlusion of the catheter (partial or complete obstruction), and overdose. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.
Results: Infusion therapies provide an effective, direct administration of fluids into the body's vascular system.
Bibliography
"Chemotherapy by Infusion." Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/chemotherapy/infusion. Accessed 20 June 2024.
"Getting IV or Injectable Chemotherapy." American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/chemotherapy/getting-chemotherapy.html. Accessed 20 June 2024.
Olsen, MiKaela M. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice. 2nd ed., Oncology Nursing Society, 2022.
"Types of Infusions." UVA Health, uvahealth.com/services/infusion-therapy/types-infusion. Accessed 20 June 2024.
Welsh, Jennifer. "What You Need to Know About Cancer and Infusion Therapy." Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2021, www.verywellhealth.com/cancer-and-infusion-therapy-5198168. Accessed 20 June 2024.