Oral chemotherapy

I had read about oral chemo before I started and really hoped this would be an option but it was never mentioned. Fingers crossed it becomes more available in the future for a wider range of cancer treatments. 6 rounds in and feeling like a human pincushion. 

Hi awesome1 

It’s my understanding that the mainstay drugs used in Primary breast cancer treatment - EC. Paclitaxel, docetaxol, carboplatin etc - aren’t available in tablet form. Some of the targeted therapies are, as is the chemo drug capecitabine which is sometimes used further down the line. 

Hello, thanks for reply.The very reason why oral chemotherapy was manufactured was to enable patients more choice over their treatment.

Hello, thanks for reply, my understanding is that EC stands for Epirubacin and Cyclophosphamide?There are several breast taken chemotherary drugs that come in oral form.Mtx and cyclophosphamide for example and as you mention Capecitabine.So my question is why arent ladies being given this option.

Cancer regimes are evidence based. The regimes chosen are those proven to be the most effective. 

Thanks for reply,this doesnt really answer why oral options are not suggested.

Maybe in most cases the best effective dose is too strong to go through your digestive system, but is delivered most effectively by infusion into bloodstream. 
This is just speculation on my part.

I have been aware that stronger doses of antibiotics can be delivered intravenously than can be taken orallly.

Hello, no iv and oral doses are the same in terms of antibiotics.I feel it is down to the absorbtion rate(bioavailability) of the drug because orally it has to pass the digestive system.However, if tolerated then there should be the option to take them orally.