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Subcutaneous Oncology Treatment

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last updated: January 2025

Subcutaneous oncology treatment involves giving cancer-fighting drugs under the skin. This treatment method uses a small needle to inject medicine into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscles. It is usually done in the skin around the belly, thigh, or upper arm. This is different from intravenous (IV) treatment, where medicine is given directly into a vein.1

How does subcutaneous oncology treatment help treat cancer?

In subcutaneous treatment, the injected cancer-fighting medicine still enters the bloodstream to fight cancer cells. The drug that is used works the same way as the drug used in IV treatment. It is just delivered differently.1,2

Subcutaneous oncology treatment is used to treat various cancers, such as certain forms of:2-4

  • Breast cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Blood cancer

What are the benefits of subcutaneous oncology treatment?

Subcutaneous cancer treatment offers several benefits:2-4

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  • It is convenient – Injections are often quicker and easier than IV infusions. This can mean shorter clinic visits. Subcutaneous treatment can often be given in less than 10 minutes, but specific times can vary for each medicine.
  • It is less invasive – People may find injections less painful than having an IV line placed. Injections also do not require an infusion port. Ports are common for many people receiving chemotherapy.
  • It saves time – You may be able to give the injection yourself at home in certain situations. This means you may not have to travel to and from an infusion center.

Types of subcutaneous oncology treatment

Several types of cancer-fighting drugs can be given subcutaneously. They include:2,5

  • Immunotherapy drugs – Immunotherapy drugs use the body’s own immune system to find and attack cancer cells. This approach helps control the spread of cancer.
  • Targeted therapy drugs – These drugs target and interfere with cancer cell division, or focus on specific features that are unique to cancer cells, stopping their ability to grow and spread.
  • Monoclonal antibodies – These are human-made proteins that attach to specific parts of cancer cells. By binding to these cells, the drugs can stop their growth or flag them for the immune system to destroy. Certain monoclonal antibodies may also be considered immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

What are the possible side effects of subcutaneous oncology treatment?

Like all cancer treatments, subcutaneous injections can have side effects, and side effects can vary depending on the specific medicine you are taking. The most common side effects may include:3

  • Fatigue
  • Itchy skin
  • Bone, joint, or muscle pain
  • Rash
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Decreased appetite

Other things to know

Subcutaneous oncology treatments are not suitable for everyone or all types of cancer, and not all treatments are available in subcutaneous form. The choice between subcutaneous and IV delivery depends on factors like:2,4

  • The specific drug
  • A person’s overall health
  • Potential side effects

Subcutaneous oncology treatment can be a valuable option for delivering cancer-fighting drugs. It offers benefits in terms of convenience and comfort. However, there are potential side effects. Talk to your doctor about which treatment approach is right for you.2-4

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.

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