What is oral chemotherapy?
“Oral chemotherapy” is treatment with anticancer drugs that are swallowed in tablet, capsule, or liquid form rather than taken through a vein with an intravenous (IV) line. Oral chemotherapy may be prescribed to control the spread of certain types of cancer, or to relieve some of the symptoms. For an easy-to-use resource about oral chemotherapy visit the Oral Chemotherapy Guide.Is oral chemotherapy taken by itself, or with other treatments?
Like other forms of chemotherapy, oral chemotherapy is often used together with radiation therapy, surgery, or treatments that boost the body's immune system.Who decides if oral chemotherapy is right for me?
Only your doctor can decide if oral chemotherapy is appropriate for your type of cancer. Your doctor will also evaluate whether you are capable of being an active member of your healthcare team, another important factor in the decision to prescribe oral chemotherapy. Learn how to talk with your doctor to find out if oral chemotherapy is right for your treatment plan.Are there many oral chemotherapy treatments?
An increasing number of oral anticancer drugs are being approved for different types of cancer. View a complete list of the types of cancer that have an approved oral chemotherapy treatment.What does the growing number of approved oral chemotherapy treatments mean?
These approvals are further evidence that oral chemotherapy is as effective and safe as IV chemotherapy treatments for some types of cancer. And many patients prefer the convenience of taking anticancer drugs in tablet or capsule form.Does oral chemotherapy cause side effects?
The drugs that kill cancer cells can also affect normal cells. It is the harm to these healthy cells that causes the side effects common to all forms of chemotherapy. The side effects of oral chemotherapy, like all forms of chemotherapy, will vary depending on the drug and the dosage.Oral chemotherapy side effects are similar to those for IV chemotherapy, and may include the following:
- Altered taste
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Anemia
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Infection
- Dry skin
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Sore mouth
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
For an easy-to-use resource on oral chemotherapy, download a printable version of the Oral Chemotherapy Guide.
