

Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care.
Before you begin your chemotherapy, our specialists walk you through each step. We explain which medications you’ll receive and your treatment schedule. If we anticipate any side effects, we may prescribe premedications to stop them before they start. Examples of premedications include nausea medications, pain relievers, and skin creams.
Most chemotherapy medications are IV infusions. During your infusion treatments, we focus on helping you feel as comfortable as possible. You may also want to bring books, crafts, headphones, or a tablet for entertainment. Some people also bring their favorite drink or snack to enjoy during their treatment.
In some cases, we may recommend a venous access device (VAD) or a Hickman® catheter. Our specialists place one of these devices into a vein, where it’s available when you need your IV medications or blood tests. A VAD or Hickman catheter remains in place throughout your treatment, helping you avoid frequent needle sticks.
Delivering intrathecal chemotherapy and HIPEC requires a special procedure. Our team gives you detailed instructions on preparing and what to expect. Your procedure may take place in an operating room, and you may need several days of recovery time in a hospital. We coordinate your care throughout your hospital stay and are always available if you have questions or concerns.
After your chemotherapy is complete, our team will coordinate the next steps for your care, whether surgery, radiation therapy, testing, or follow-up visits. Some side effects, such as fatigue and trouble concentrating, may take several months to go away completely.
We support you throughout your cancer treatment and beyond. Our comprehensive survivorship programs help you achieve physical and mental wellness after cancer.
Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy. If you do, we will work with you to minimize them. You may receive antinausea medications or other therapies to control these effects. We may also modify your treatment dose or schedule if needed.
Our team also offers therapies that stop side effects before they start, such as a cooling cap to prevent hair loss with certain types of chemotherapy. Tell your Texas Oncology team if you have questions or concerns about side effects. We’re here to help.
Our specialists monitor you closely and schedule tests to evaluate how your treatment is working. We share this information with you and, when needed, change your medication or dosage to meet your needs.
Your treatment schedule depends on the type of cancer and which drug or combination of drugs you receive. You may receive treatment daily, weekly, every other week, every third week, or monthly. Our specialists help you determine the most effective treatment schedule for you.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
Chemotherapy is not a single treatment but a group of specialized drugs that destroy cancer cells. These medications can shrink tumors, control the spread of cancer, and manage cancer symptoms.
Because there are more than 100 chemotherapy medications available, a skilled cancer team is essential. This team can determine which medications will work best for you. Our medical oncologists closely evaluate your case before customizing your therapy. We choose medicines that work well for the specific cancer you have.
Many people are understandably concerned about side effects, but our specialists can prevent or minimize them in many cases. We provide effective medications to manage nausea and, if needed, adjust your dosage. Many of our locations also offer a cooling cap, which can prevent hair loss from certain types of chemotherapy. Learn about the Paxman Scalp Cooling System.
Our experts use chemotherapy for many different cancers, including early-stage, localized cancers and metastatic cancers (cancers that have spread to other areas).
There are several different categories of chemotherapy medications. Although they all destroy cancer cells, they do so in different ways.
For example, some damage a cancer cell’s DNA so it cannot reproduce (make more cancer cells). Others interfere with certain enzymes in cancer cells so they cannot grow and spread. Our team is knowledgeable in all types of chemotherapy medications and chooses the therapy that will work best for you.
Your treatment plan may include a single chemotherapy drug or a combination of medications, depending on your needs. Our experts may also combine chemotherapy with other therapies, such as radiation therapy or surgery, to optimize your treatment.
Chemotherapy medications also come in different forms, including:
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
During HIPEC, we fill a body cavity, such as the abdomen, with heated chemotherapy medications that go directly to the site of the cancer.
Intrathecal
We inject medication into your spinal fluid.
Intravenous (IV) infusion
You receive medication directly into a vein, usually at an infusion center.
Oral medication
You swallow liquid medication or pills at home.
Topical
You apply a cream or ointment to an area of your skin.
Chemotherapy is one of the most powerful cancer-fighting tools available. This treatment can:
Chemotherapy is a good option for many people, but not everyone chooses this treatment. We will talk with you about the goals of treatment, benefits, and risks so you understand your plan and can make informed decisions about your care.
Chemotherapy works throughout your body, with the power to treat cancer in many places at once. As with any medication, chemotherapy can cause side effects, which may include:
Some side effects may be mild and temporary, but others can be serious. Our team will help you understand all the possible side effects before your treatment. We also provide support and care to help you manage them and feel your best.
Before you begin your chemotherapy, our specialists walk you through each step. We explain which medications you’ll receive and your treatment schedule. If we anticipate any side effects, we may prescribe premedications to stop them before they start. Examples of premedications include nausea medications, pain relievers, and skin creams.
Most chemotherapy medications are IV infusions. During your infusion treatments, we focus on helping you feel as comfortable as possible. You may also want to bring books, crafts, headphones, or a tablet for entertainment. Some people also bring their favorite drink or snack to enjoy during their treatment.
In some cases, we may recommend a venous access device (VAD) or a Hickman® catheter. Our specialists place one of these devices into a vein, where it’s available when you need your IV medications or blood tests. A VAD or Hickman catheter remains in place throughout your treatment, helping you avoid frequent needle sticks.
Delivering intrathecal chemotherapy and HIPEC requires a special procedure. Our team gives you detailed instructions on preparing and what to expect. Your procedure may take place in an operating room, and you may need several days of recovery time in a hospital. We coordinate your care throughout your hospital stay and are always available if you have questions or concerns.
After your chemotherapy is complete, our team will coordinate the next steps for your care, whether surgery, radiation therapy, testing, or follow-up visits. Some side effects, such as fatigue and trouble concentrating, may take several months to go away completely.
We support you throughout your cancer treatment and beyond. Our comprehensive survivorship programs help you achieve physical and mental wellness after cancer.
Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy. If you do, we will work with you to minimize them. You may receive antinausea medications or other therapies to control these effects. We may also modify your treatment dose or schedule if needed.
Our team also offers therapies that stop side effects before they start, such as a cooling cap to prevent hair loss with certain types of chemotherapy. Tell your Texas Oncology team if you have questions or concerns about side effects. We’re here to help.
Our specialists monitor you closely and schedule tests to evaluate how your treatment is working. We share this information with you and, when needed, change your medication or dosage to meet your needs.
Your treatment schedule depends on the type of cancer and which drug or combination of drugs you receive. You may receive treatment daily, weekly, every other week, every third week, or monthly. Our specialists help you determine the most effective treatment schedule for you.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.