Cancer drug treatments explained

Cancer drug treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. They can be given in different ways depending on the drug, the type of cancer and your treatment plan.
Cancer drug treatments
Cancer drug treatments can be given in different ways depending on the drug, the type of cancer and your treatment plan.
How cancer drug treatments are given
Cancer drug treatments are called systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). They include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. They can be given in different ways depending on the drug and cancer type.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat many different types of cancer. They are most commonly given into a vein or as tablets or capsules.
Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies are drugs that find and attack cancer cells. There are many different types of targeted therapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is used to treat many different types of cancer. Find out more about having immunotherapy treatment and what to expect.
Hormonal therapies
Some cancers depend on hormones to grow. Find out about different hormonal therapies and how they work.
Cannulas

A cannula is a short, thin tube that is put into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand for treatment. It will be removed before you go home.
Central lines

A central line is a long, thin hollow tube. It is put into a vein in your chest and used to give chemotherapy and other drugs.
PICC lines
A PICC line is a long, thin, flexible tube which is put into the arm to give chemotherapy and other treatments.
Implantable ports
An implantable port is a tube with a rubber disc at the end. It sits under the skin and can be used to give chemotherapy or other treatments.

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