By Dr Markus Borner

During the last five years I have treated many patients using both intravenous (i.v.) and oral (tablets or capsules) chemotherapy, and it should not be forgotten that some people on combination therapies have to do both. This said, those being treated exclusively with orally-based chemotherapy undoubtedly have a better quality of life than those who receive i.v. chemotherapy. This is for a number of reasons:

• i.v. is invasive whereas tablets and capsules are non-invasive (no need for i.v. lines)
• i.v. requires on-site treatment at a hospital while oral therapies can be taken at home
• i.v. can increase the risk of infection at a time when your immune system may already be weak
• i.v. may cause severe limitations to physical activities, e.g. sitting, walking, swimming
• i.v. treatments will often require periods away from the office and a disrupted work routine whereas patients who feel well enough can maintain a consistent lifestyle if they are taking oral chemotherapy
• Patients can experience less pain because no or fewer i.v. lines need to be administered
• Patients can feel a sense of autonomy because they are responsible for taking their medication at home rather than administered at a hospital by a nurse
• Patients are allowed to spend more time at home with family and friends rather than in a hospital receiving their medication via i.v.

Although oral treatments are not available for all patients and not for all cancer types, it's certainly worth discussing this option with your doctor. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly looking at developing oral formulations because of the clear patient preference for this form of treatment. The Guide to oral chemotherapy section of this site provides an overview of a few of the oral treatments available. The type and stage of your disease as well as the treatments you are currently taking or have previously taken will determine whether oral chemotherapy is suitable for you.