What is the difference between intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy?
Intravenous, or IV administration, of chemotherapy drugs is done by inserting a needle into a vein in the body, usually in the arm. Intraperitoneal or IP administration of chemotherapy, usually is done through a surgically implanted catheter, which is a hollow, flexible tube that allows passage of fluids into the abdomen of a woman with ovarian cancer. The chemotherapy drugs are dissolved in saline, or salt water, warmed to body temperature, and then infused into the body via the catheter. This may be followed by an additional liter of saline to facilitate distribution of the drug within the abdominal cavity. Should the patient become uncomfortable for any reason, a second liter does not need to be entirely infused. There is no need to drain the infused fluid from the abdominal cavity. After infusion, patients are encouraged to change position at 15-minute intervals for two hours to ensure adequate drug distribution. 6. What was the design of the Gynecologic Oncology Group’s study, GOG
