Intravenous Chemotherapy

When is it given?

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy the cancer cells. For invasive cancers the chemotherapy drugs are given by injection into a vein (intravenously).

If the cancer has spread into the muscle of the bladder, or to other parts of the body, the chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously (into the vein). This is done so that they can circulate in the bloodstream and reach the cancer cells anywhere in the body. Several drugs are given over a few days. The drugs are then repeated every few weeks for several months. The most commonly used intravenous drugs are cisplatin, carboplatin, methotrexate, vinblastine, gemcitabine and doxorubicin.

Intravenous chemotherapy may be given before surgery or radiotherapy to shrink the cancer and make these treatments more effective. It may also be used after surgery if there is a high risk of the cancer coming back or if tests show that the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Some early research trials are using chemotherapy during radiotherapy to see whether this makes the treatments more effective.

Side effects

If you have chemotherapy into the vein, the drugs can temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in your blood. When these cells are in short supply, you are more likely to get an infection and to tire easily. It is important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel ill or develop a temperature at any time during your treatment. During chemotherapy your blood will be tested regularly and, if necessary, you will be given antibiotics to treat any infection. Blood transfusions may be given if you are anaemic.

Some of the chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting. This can often be helped by taking anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics) which your doctor can prescribe.

Some chemotherapy drugs can make your mouth sore and may cause small ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and the nurse will show you how to do these properly.

If you don’t feel like eating during treatment, you could try replacing some meals with nutritious drinks or a soft diet. CancerBACUP’s section on diet and the cancer patient has some useful tips on coping with eating problems.

Some of the drugs can cause slight deafness or can affect the nerves in your hands and feet leading to tingling or numbness. This effect is usually temporary and gradually reduces a few months after the end of treatment, but for some people it may be permanent. Let your doctor know if it occurs.

Hair loss is another common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. People who lose their hair often wear wigs, hats or scarves. You may be entitled to a free wig from the National Health Service. Your doctor or the nurse looking after you will be able to arrange for a wig specialist to visit you. If your hair does fall out, it should start to grow back within about 3-6 months.

Although they may be hard to deal with at the time, these side effects will gradually disappear once your treatment is over. Chemotherapy affects people in different ways. Some find they are able to lead a fairly normal life during their treatment, but many find they become very tired and have to take things much more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overdo it. CancerBACUP has a section which has tips on coping with fatigue.

CancerBACUP’s general information on chemotherapy discusses the treatment and it’s side effects in detail.  There are also sections on individual drugs and their side effects.