Advanced concepts in chemotherapy drug delivery: regional therapy

Multiple solid tumors are unresponsive to chemotherapy drug levels that are given by systemic administration. Regional chemotherapy administration provides a higher drug concentration at and/or near the tumor site, thus achieving a higher tumor cell kill. Intravenous therapy nurses are involved in the access of the multiple devices, infusion of the chemotherapy drugs, and monitoring of the patient for the duration of the regional therapy. This article will provide a review of regional chemotherapy via intraarterial, intrathecal, and intraperitoneal routes. Nursing management will focus on the specifics of drug delivery and the care of the patient receiving regional chemotherapy.