How is immunotherapy given?
Immunotherapy can be given in several ways, depending on the type. According to the National Cancer Institute, it may be given by:
- Intravenous (IV). The immunotherapy goes straight into a vein.
- Oral. The immunotherapy comes in pills or capsules that you swallow.
- Topical. The immunotherapy comes in a cream that you rub onto your skin. This type can be used for very early skin cancer.
- Intravesical. The immunotherapy goes straight into the bladder.
You may receive immunotherapy in a doctor's office, a clinic, or an outpatient unit in a hospital. Outpatient means you do not spend the night in the hospital.
How often you get it, and for how long, depends on a few things. These are your type of cancer and how advanced it is, the type of immunotherapy, and how your body reacts. Your health care team can explain the schedule planned for you.
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: What Is Immunotherapy? Cancer and the Immune System
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