How is chemotherapy administered? Day units | 合法醫療器材資訊網

Chemotherapyathome—Chemotherapyathome.Sometimes,specialistchemotherapynursesvisitpeopleathometogiveintravenouschemotherapy.Ifyou ...

A fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. In some cancers, such as some leukaemias[1], lymphomas[2], or brain tumours[3], the cancer cells can pass into the CSF. Doctors may give intrathecal chemotherapy[4] to prevent this from happening, or to destroy any cancer cells in the CSF.

Only certain chemotherapy drugs can be given in this way. Chemotherapy into a vein or by mouth cannot reach these cancer cells.

The doctor numbs an area of skin over the spine with local anaesthetic. After a few minutes, they gently insert a needle between 2 of the spinal bones, into the CSF. This is called a lumbar puncture[5]. The doctor then injects intrathecal chemotherapy through the needle into the CSF.

Having a lumbar puncture is not usually painful, but some people may find it uncomfortable. Your cancer doctor and...