• Intra-arterial Drugs are often given to specific areas such as the liver, head and neck, or pelvis through the
artery supplying that area. This is usually done in the hospital, where the delivery system can continuously
infuse chemotherapy over a specific time. The drugs are given through a pump that can overcome arterial
pressure.
• Infusaid pumps This special pump was developed to be surgically implanted within the abdomen. The pump
is shaped like a hockey puck and has two chambers—one for the drug, the other for a fluid that forces the drug
into the catheter . It also has a side port for chemotherapy injections. The pump can deliver a drug for as long
as two weeks, then the chemotherapy solution can be replaced with salt water to give your system a rest.
Which Route to Use This decision depends on several factors, mainly the type of tumor and the drug being used. There are many questions to answer. Can the drug be absorbed in the stomach? How big a dose is required? What are the side effects? Are they tolerable?
Ultimately, the decision will be made on the basis of what is the most effective way to get the highest dosage of the right drug to the right place. Whichever route is chosen, your doctor will give you and your family or friends complete information on the usual effects of the drug, its side effects, any safety precautions to take and what reactions to report.
