Chemotherapy can be used to treat many types of cancer. The type of drug you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have, and the side effects may vary depending on how your body reacts and the drug used.

Chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment because it can kill cancer cells anywhere in the body. It can be used to:

  • treat cancer
  • control or shrink a tumor
  • relieve pain caused by a tumor

Many chemotherapy drugs are available. Some are more effective at treating specific types of cancer than others.

Just as there are different goals of chemotherapy, different methods of administering chemo drugs are available.

Oral

Some chemotherapy drugs are available in pill, capsule, or liquid form that you can take at home.

Not having to go in for infusions is an advantage, but oral chemotherapy requires strict precautions and adherence to your treatment plan.

Topical

Certain skin cancers can be treated with topical chemotherapy in the form of:

  • gels
  • creams
  • ointments

These are powerful drugs, so you’ll need to take special safety measures.

Intravenous

Many chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously (IV).

When a drug needs to enter the bloodstream quickly, it’s injected directly into the catheter and called an IV push.

When a slower speed is necessary, the infusion is controlled by a pump you carry and is called a continuous infusion.

Chemo infusions and injections can also be administered:

  • into muscles or skin
  • into spinal fluid, arteries, or organs
  • directly into a tumor

Unless your oncology team says otherwise, you should block out several hours for a chemotherapy infusion.

Many chemotherapy drugs must be mixed before use, so you might have a short wait.

How long a single infusion lasts depends on:

  • the type of cancer and other health conditions
  • the specific drug or combination of drugs
  • the overall treatment plan

In general, it takes a few minutes for an IV push, while an IV infusion can take 30 minutes to several hours or more. A continuous infusion can last 1 to 3 days.

In some cases, especially when you’re receiving a drug for the first time, you may need to stay a little longer for observation. You’ll be monitored to make sure you don’t have any serious side effects.

Chemotherapy usually takes more than one treatment and is typically given in a set number of cycles. Your oncologist will base this plan on:

  • the type and stage of cancer
  • the goal of the treatment
  • which drugs you’re receiving

A dose can take a few minutes to a few days. It’s also called a “round” of treatment.

A period of rest follows an infusion so your body can recover. This rest period is typically 2 to 3 weeks but can be shorter or longer. A new cycle begins with your next infusion.

For example, your plan might call for four infusions with one chemo drug at 2-week intervals, followed by three infusions with a different drug combination at 1-week intervals. Chemotherapy would last about 4 months in this case.

A lot depends on how your body responds to the chemotherapy drugs. A blood test before each treatment will show if your white blood cell count or platelet count is low. If so, your next treatment may be delayed by a week or two.

If you need chemo dose adjustments, this could also affect the number of cycles.

Chemo is sometimes used to shrink a tumor before surgery. How long that takes involves many factors, such as:

  • the type of cancer, which is where the cancer cells originated
  • the stage, including how far the cancer cells have progressed
  • the tumor grade, which indicates how abnormal the cancer cells are; the higher the grade, the faster the cells grow and spread

It’s best to go in with the understanding that the timetable is subject to change.

Chemo drugs generally stay in your body for 48 to 72 hours, but this can vary depending on the drug.

Your liver and kidneys break down most chemotherapy drugs. The drug is excreted in:

  • urine
  • stool
  • sweat

How long it takes to leave your body depends on:

  • the specific drug
  • your kidney and liver health
  • other medications in your system
  • your age

If your treatment plan calls for lengthy chemotherapy treatment, your oncologist may recommend a central venous catheter, or chemo port.

During each treatment, the IV with the chemo drugs will be inserted directly into your port. The port can also be used for blood tests and other medications.

Before your first chemo infusion, the treatment center will specify what to expect.

It’s important to arrange transportation because you might not feel up to driving afterward.

Some clinics allow you to bring someone to sit with you during treatment. You can choose whether you want someone with you or would prefer to be alone during your infusion.

Since you might be in treatment for several hours, you should eat first unless your doctor says otherwise. Some infusion centers provide snacks and drinks, and some have refrigerators and microwaves.

Prepare a “go bag” for chemo treatment and include anything that will help you feel comfortable and pass the time.

After your first infusion, you’ll have a better idea of what items were helpful and if there are other things you want to take along for your next infusion.

A few things must happen before your first infusion can begin, such as:

  • blood tests
  • a check of vital signs
  • a review of symptoms and side effects
  • ordering and mixing the medication

If you have a chemo port, it’ll be flushed out. If you don’t have a port, a catheter will be inserted into a large vein, typically in your arm. Chemo drugs and medications given with chemo can have immediate effects such as:

  • a stinging sensation at the point of entry
  • sleepiness
  • metallic taste

If your infusion is expected to last at least an hour, you’ll likely be offered a reclining chair. It’s OK to close your eyes during treatment — many people nap right through it.

You can also pass the time with conversation, reading, or working on your laptop.

You’ll be able to get up and use the bathroom as needed during your infusion.

Some people feel the effects of chemo right away, but for others, it takes longer.

Not all chemo drugs have the same side effects. For example, they don’t all cause hair loss.

Side effects tend to increase with each cycle and may include:

Keep your oncology team in the loop. Many side effects are treatable, but some may signal serious complications.

Your oncology team is your best source of information. You might also want to read:

Chemotherapy Resources

You can track and manage your cancer care with the ACS Cares mobile app from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer. When it comes to which drugs you’ll receive and what side effects you’ll have, many variables come into play.

Chemo is given in cycles, with a typical infusion time of several hours, although it can be a day or longer in some cases.

How long you’ll need chemotherapy depends on your treatment goals and how your body responds. Your treatment plan may need to be adjusted along the way.

Before starting chemotherapy, your oncology team will give you an overview of what to expect. No question is too minor, so don’t hesitate to ask them anything about your treatment or your diagnosis.