Comprehensive Cancer Centers proudly offers infusion therapy to treat patients facing a wide range of health issues, with all treatments done in our clinics.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers (LINK 1) offers infusion therapies (LINK 2) for patients with chronic diseases and conditions. Infusion therapy is a safe and effective way to treat many diseases by injecting medications through an intravenous (IV) line in a patient’s arm. This methodology allows for a more efficient treatment of chronic illnesses since it delivers medications, antibiotics, and/or hydration directly into the bloodstream.
Infusion therapy has become a cornerstone in cancer treatment, providing a means of delivering life-saving medications directly into the bloodstream. This method allows for the efficient administration of drugs, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive treatments, ensuring that medications reach the cancer cells swiftly and in concentrated doses. For cancer patients, infusion therapy is a critical part of the treatment plan, designed to target cancer effectively while also managing side effects and symptoms.
When the treatment is first recommended, many patients are not familiar with how infusion therapy works, what to expect when being treated, and what benefits come about from the therapies. To get everyone better informed, Comprehensive shares the following resources about infusion therapy:
What is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a method of administering medication through a needle or catheter, typically directly into a vein. It is used when medications are best absorbed via the bloodstream rather than the digestive system or when patients cannot take oral medications. This mode of therapy is particularly valuable in cancer treatment because it allows for precise dosing and targeted delivery, ensuring that drugs reach the cancer cells quickly. For cancer patients, infusion therapy often involves a range of drugs beyond chemotherapy. These can include:
- Immunotherapy: Medications that enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target molecular changes in cancer cells.
- Pain Management and Supportive Therapy: Includes anti-nausea drugs, fluids, and electrolytes to support the patient’s comfort during treatment.
Cancer patients may undergo various types of infusion therapy, each serving a unique purpose depending on the nature of the cancer and individual treatment goals. Chemotherapy remains one of the most widely used infusion therapies for cancer treatment. This therapy uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Chemotherapy is delivered through infusion in cycles, allowing time for the body to recover between treatments. However, because it can also affect healthy cells, chemotherapy can lead to side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.
Immunotherapy drugs work by enhancing the patient’s immune response to cancer. Some types of immunotherapy stimulate the immune system in a general way, while others target specific immune cells. Infusion-based immunotherapies include monoclonal antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer. While immunotherapy can be very effective, particularly in cancers like melanoma and lung cancer, it may cause immune-related side effects that require management.
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy is designed to attack specific genetic or molecular changes unique to cancer cells. This precise approach helps limit damage to normal cells, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment effectiveness. Targeted therapy is often used for cancers with identifiable markers, such as certain types of breast or lung cancers. These therapies can sometimes be more tolerable than traditional chemotherapy, although they may still have side effects.
For hormone-sensitive cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, hormone therapy can be delivered via infusion to block or lower the hormones that fuel cancer growth. This therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, and while it may not cause the same level of side effects as chemotherapy, patients may still experience issues like fatigue and hot flashes.
Supportive care infusions include treatments designed to manage symptoms, prevent dehydration, and reduce the side effects of cancer treatments. For instance, patients undergoing chemotherapy may receive anti-nausea medications or fluids through an infusion to help them stay hydrated and maintain their energy levels. Palliative care infusions may include pain medications for patients with advanced cancer to improve quality of life.
The process of infusion therapy typically takes place under the guidance of a healthcare professional at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, with staff trained on procedures, and dedicated to using all resources to improve skills and knowledge bases. Each patient’s infusion therapy is tailored to their specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall health status. Before the infusion, the oncology team will review the patient’s medical history, conduct blood tests, and discuss any side effects or symptoms experienced in previous treatments.
Patients might also receive medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or anti-nausea drugs, before beginning their infusion to help minimize potential side effects.
Infusions are typically administered through an intravenous (IV) line, which can be placed in a vein in the hand or arm. For patients undergoing multiple or prolonged treatments, a more permanent option, like a central line or port, may be placed in the chest to avoid repeated needle sticks. These devices make it easier to deliver medications and can stay in place for weeks or months, reducing discomfort over time.
During the infusion, patients can rest in a comfortable chair while nurses and oncology staff monitor vital signs and watch for any signs of adverse reactions. Depending on the medication being administered, infusion sessions can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
After the infusion, the healthcare team may observe the patient for a short period to ensure no immediate side effects arise. Patients are often encouraged to rest and hydrate after treatment. If side effects appear later, they should contact their oncology team to address symptoms and manage them effectively.
Infusion therapy offers several benefits for cancer patients, enhancing treatment effectiveness and providing supportive care. Infusion therapy allows medications to be delivered directly into the bloodstream, ensuring that drugs reach their target quickly and in a controlled, concentrated dose. This is crucial in cancer treatment, as it maximizes the drugs’ effectiveness against fast-growing cancer cells.
Infusion therapy can be adapted for various treatment types, from chemotherapy and immunotherapy to palliative care. This flexibility allows oncologists to create individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs and characteristics of the patient’s cancer. Patients can receive multiple drugs in a single session or combine different types of therapy, improving the likelihood of a positive response.
For certain types of targeted therapies, infusion can help minimize damage to healthy cells, reducing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Additionally, the careful monitoring provided during infusion therapy allows healthcare providers to address any side effects immediately, adjusting dosages or administering supportive care as needed.
Infusion therapy is not limited to cancer-fighting drugs; it also includes fluids, electrolytes, and anti-nausea medications that support patients’ well-being throughout treatment. This supportive care can reduce discomfort and enhance quality of life, allowing patients to maintain energy levels and continue daily activities.
While infusion therapy is a highly effective cancer treatment, it can also come with risks and side effects. Some patients may experience immediate reactions during or shortly after infusion, including allergic reactions, chills, fever, nausea, or headache. Oncology teams, like the Advanced Practice Providers at Comprehensive (LINK 4) monitor patients closely to manage these reactions quickly and prevent complications.
Because infusion therapy often requires a catheter or port, patients are at a higher risk of infection at the insertion site. Proper hygiene and regular care of the infusion site can help reduce this risk, but patients should inform their healthcare team if they notice redness, swelling, or unusual pain.
Patients undergoing infusion therapy should work closely with their healthcare team to make the experience as manageable as possible. Here are some helpful steps:
- Ask Questions: Understanding the treatment plan, expected side effects, and steps to manage them empowers patients to feel in control of their care.
- Plan for Support: Family members or friends can help with transportation, daily tasks, and emotional support during and after treatment sessions.
- Practice Self-Care: Hydration, rest, balanced nutrition, and light exercise can help mitigate some side effects and boost energy.
- Communicate Side Effects: Reporting any side effects immediately allows the oncology team to adjust the treatment or prescribe medications to manage symptoms, improving overall comfort.
Infusion therapy is a crucial part of cancer treatment, providing patients with a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. By delivering medications directly into the bloodstream, infusion therapy maximizes drug effectiveness and allows for a wide range of treatment options, from chemotherapy to immunotherapy and supportive care.
Understanding the benefits and potential side effects of infusion therapy empowers patients to make informed decisions and collaborate with their healthcare team effectively. Although infusion therapy can present challenges, proactive communication, self-care, and the support of loved ones make it a manageable and beneficial part of cancer treatment for patients determined to improve their quality of life.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
The medical oncologists at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for cancers and other illnesses that utilize infusion therapy. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
