What is the most common method for administering chemotherapy?

The most common method for administering chemotherapy is intravenously. This approach allows for direct delivery of the chemotherapy agents into the bloodstream, which ensures that the drugs are quickly disseminated throughout the body. Intravenous administration also facilitates the ability to manage large volumes of fluid and enables the healthcare provider to give the appropriate dose of medication rapidly in a controlled manner.

This method is particularly effective for systemic treatment, where the goal is to target cancer cells throughout the body rather than just at a localized site. Intravenous chemotherapy can also help in closely monitoring the patient's response to treatment and managing potential side effects in real time.

While other methods, such as oral administration, intra-arterial delivery, and topical application, are used in certain circumstances, they are not as commonly utilized for the broad range of chemotherapy treatments compared to intravenous administration. Oral chemotherapy has its benefits, particularly in outpatient settings, but it is limited by factors like absorption variability and gastrointestinal side effects. Intra-arterial and topical methods are generally reserved for specific situations.