Chemotherapy, Biotherapy & Infusion
Your personal cancer treatment plan may include medicines—such as chemotherapy, biotherapy (immunotherapy), infusion, and hormone therapy. Rely on us to help you stay as comfortable as possible during your care at William R. Bliss Cancer Center.
Chemotherapy
One of the most common cancer treatments, chemotherapy kills cells that grow quickly. This includes cancer cells, but also some cells involved in digestion and hair growth. That means you may experience side effects. Trust your cancer care team to help you relieve side effects with supportive care, including one-on-one nutrition counseling, which can improve your quality of life during treatment.
Scalp Cooling
Bliss Cancer Center now offers scalp cooling to patients going through Chemotherapy. Scalp cooling helps reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss.To learn more about the benefits of scalp cooling and watch a video to see how it works.
Some insurance companies are starting to cover scalp cooling. You may apply for a subsidy, if your insurance does not cover scalp cooling.
If you are interested in Scalp Cooling, stop into the Cancer Resource Center located on level 2 next to Medical Oncology or call 515-956-6440 and ask to speak to a nurse navigator.
Biotherapy
Also called immunotherapy, biotherapy uses your body’s own immune system to battle cancer. Depending on the specific medicine you’re prescribed, this treatment may work by:
- Making it easier for your immune system to recognize cancer cells as a threat, so it fights them
- Stimulating your immune system to attack cancer cells
Unlike chemotherapy, biotherapy targets just cancer, not also healthy tissue. That reduces side effects.
Your doctor may order immunotherapy along with radiation therapy for almost any cancer type, including lung, kidney, and blood cancers.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy starves tumors of the hormones they need to grow. Your doctor may recommend this treatment for breast cancer or prostate cancer. You may receive it by infusion (through a vein) or as a pill you swallow.
Infusion Center
If your medicine is delivered through a vein, you’ll come to our comfortable, modern Outpatient Infusion Center for treatment. Count on a compassionate cancer nurse to take care of you. An onsite cancer pharmacist will make sure you get the right medicines and, when needed, teach you how to take them safely at home.
Feel free to bring a loved one to treatment sessions. They can wait in a spacious, relaxing area with free WiFi or visit the beautiful, nearby rooftop garden.
