Intrathecal chemotherapy

Intrathecal chemotherapy is a method of chemotherapy that is used to treat certain types of cancer. This method involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Procedure

Intrathecal chemotherapy is usually performed in a hospital setting. The patient is positioned on their side or sitting up, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. A thin needle is then inserted between the vertebrae in the lower spine, into the space that contains the CSF. The chemotherapy drug is then injected through the needle into the CSF.

Uses

Intrathecal chemotherapy is used to treat cancers that have spread to the brain and spinal cord, including leukemia, lymphoma, and certain types of solid tumors. It is also used to prevent cancer from spreading to these areas in patients who are at high risk.

Benefits

The main benefit of intrathecal chemotherapy is that it allows for high concentrations of chemotherapy drugs to be delivered directly to the brain and spinal cord, which are areas that are often difficult to reach with systemic chemotherapy. This can increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, intrathecal chemotherapy carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to the spinal cord. There is also a risk of side effects from the chemotherapy drugs, which can include nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

See also

• Chemotherapy
• Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Solid tumors

Intrathecal chemotherapy Resources
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