What type of chemotherapy is administered directly into the bloodstream?

Intravenous chemotherapy refers to the administration of cancer-fighting medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This method allows for immediate entry of the drugs into the circulatory system, permitting rapid dissemination throughout the body. It is commonly used because it can deliver high concentrations of the drugs directly to the tumor site, while also affecting other areas that may be difficult to target with other methods.

In contrast, oral chemotherapy is taken by mouth in pill or liquid form and must be absorbed through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which can result in variability in drug levels. Topical chemotherapy is applied directly to the skin and is typically used for localized skin cancers rather than systemic treatment. Localized chemotherapy targets a specific area, usually involving direct injection into a tumor or nearby tissue, rather than systemic circulation through the bloodstream.

Thus, intravenous chemotherapy stands out as the option that involves the direct and immediate administration of drugs into the bloodstream, which is crucial for systemic treatment of various cancers.