Depending on the type of cancer you have and the drug (or drugs) you are getting, your chemotherapy may be given in one or more of the following ways:

By mouth (orally) in a pill, capsule, or liquid form.

Into a vein (intravenously). You may get the drug through a needle inserted into a vein, usually on your hand or lower arm. Another way to get intravenous chemotherapy is through a catheter, a thin tube that is placed into a large vein in your body.

Pumps are sometimes used to give chemotherapy. They infuse the drugs into your body. External pumps may be used to control the delivery rate of the drugs. These pumps remain outside of the body. Some are portable and allow you to move around while the pump is in use. Other external pumps are not portable and will restrict your activity during your chemotherapy treatment.