Options for Undergoing Cancer Treatment at Home
Oral Chemotherapy
Description: Chemotherapy drugs taken in the form of pills or liquids.
How it Works: Patients take the medication as prescribed, usually on a regular schedule, without needing to visit the hospital for infusion treatments.
Conditions Treated: Various types of cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and certain types of leukemia.
Oral Immunotherapy
Description: Immunotherapy medications in pill or liquid form that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
How it Works: These medications help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively, enhancing the body’s natural defenses.
Conditions Treated: Some types of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and kidney cancer.
ECCT
Description: A non-invasive therapy that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cells.
How it Works: ECCT uses electric fields to induce cancer cell death, alter cell structures, improve drug delivery, and enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
Conditions Treated: Various types of cancers, including breast, colon, brain, lung, liver, ovarian, head and neck, prostate, lymphoma pancreatic cancer, and others high grade tumours.
Subcutaneous Injections (Self-Administered)
Description: Some biologic or targeted therapy drugs can be injected under the skin by the patient at home.
How it Works: The patient uses a pre-filled syringe to inject the medication, usually in the abdomen or thigh, on a prescribed schedule.
Conditions Treated: Certain types of cancers such as breast cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Providing cancer treatment from home offers increased comfort and convenience due to the larger selection of oral chemotherapy, immunotherapy, ECCT, and other options. Home treatment options limit the number of times individuals need to go to the hospital, reduce the risk of infection in a healthcare environment, and allow individuals to provide emotional support through the treatment process. Not all treatments are appropriate for home use and individuals need to work in partnership with their healthcare team to make sure that safe and effective treatment is being obtained. ECCT offers innovative support, specifically by maximizing treatment effectiveness. Overall, home-based cancer care has the potential to improve the quality of life by providing the necessary support and diligent monitoring.