Chapter 23: Administration of systemic anticancer therapies
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Intramuscular and subcutaneous administration of cytotoxic drugs
Definition
- Subcutaneous. This is the administration of cytotoxic drugs by injection into the subcutaneous tissues. Subcutaneous injections deliver medications into the loose fat and connective tissue under the dermis. The subcutaneous route is used for slow, sustained absorption of medication (Downie et al. [65]).
- Intramuscular. This is the administration of cytotoxic drugs by injection into the deep muscle under the subcutaneous tissue. As the muscle is so vascular it aids the absorption of medication (Ostendorf [186]).
