Transforming Cancer Care at Home October 6, 2025 Cancer treatment is always evolving. As a result, patients have more options and increased flexibility. One of these newer options is oral chemotherapy, said Clinical Pharmacist Kayla Swartz, PharmD, with Samaritan Pharmacy. Oral chemotherapy, a cancer-fighting medication which is taken by mouth, is a convenient alternative to traditional IV therapy. This treatment option allows patients to manage their care from the comfort of home. Understanding oral chemotherapy. Oral chemotherapy works much like traditional IV chemotherapy by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. However, rather than going to a clinic for infusions, patients take these medications at home. What to expect. Side effects vary based on the medication and the individual. The most common are nausea, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. Some patients experience very few side effects at all. Patients receive personalized counseling and information on how to manage symptoms. Pharmacists also adjust doses or pause treatment if needed. Taking it the right way. Each oral chemotherapy drug comes with specific instructions, such as when to take the medication and whether to take it with or without food, for example. Before starting treatment, patients receive a detailed guide from their pharmacist to ensure the medication is taken correctly. When a dose is missed. There is usually some wiggle room. Patients who start on oral chemotherapy receive consultation by a pharmacist, with explanations on what to do if a dose is missed, proper storage of the medication and side effects. Life on oral chemotherapy. This varies based on a patient’s response to the medication, though typically patients can maintain their daily routine. One major benefit of oral chemotherapy is the flexibility to take it at home, reducing the number of clinic visits. Is it as effective as IV chemo? Oral chemotherapy drugs go through extensive testing and are often compared directly to IV treatments. For some cancers, it may be the preferred first-line treatment. Your cancer care team will help determine what is best based on your specific diagnosis. But is it right for me? Not all cancers can be treated with oral chemotherapy, but the list of what it can treat continues to grow — so talk with your care team! Comprehensive support. At Samaritan, patients are closely monitored by their cancer provider and oral chemotherapy pharmacy team. Together, they offer patients ongoing support, help manage side effects and ensure medications are accessible and affordable. Financial assistance may be available too. Talk with your cancer care provider to learn more about oral chemotherapy to see if this treatment is right for you.
