Living with chronic conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, or Asthma often means navigating a complex treatment landscape. While medications and lifestyle changes are essential, infusion therapy is emerging as a game-changer in managing these conditions.
Join us as we explore how infusion therapy is revolutionizing care for these and other chronic illnesses, providing faster, more effective relief and improving quality of life. We’ll dive into how infusion therapy works, the conditions it helps treat, and why it’s becoming an essential option for patients seeking better health management.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is the process of administering medications directly into the bloodstream, typically through an IV. Unlike oral medications, which must be absorbed through the digestive system, infusion therapy ensures that the medicine is delivered directly to where it's needed, making it much more effective and faster acting.
- Medications Delivered Effectively: Infusion therapy is commonly used to administer biologic drugs, which are powerful medications designed to target the root causes of conditions like RA, MS, and Asthma.
- Quick Relief: Infusion therapy allows for faster absorption of medication, leading to quicker symptom relief than traditional oral medications.
Conditions Treated with Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy is effective in treating a variety of chronic conditions, offering a better alternative when other treatments may not be as effective. Let’s take a closer look at how infusion therapy can make a difference:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Infusion therapy can deliver biologics that target the immune system, reducing inflammation and preventing joint damage.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Infusion therapy helps by administering medications that slow disease progression, reduce flare-ups, and manage symptoms.
- Asthma: While asthma is commonly treated with inhalers, severe cases require more intensive treatment. Infusion therapy can provide biologics that help control inflammation in the airways, reducing asthma attacks and improving lung function.
- Crohn's Disease: Infusion therapy also plays a vital role in treating Crohn’s Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. Medications given through infusion can help reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
How Infusion Therapy Works
The process of infusion therapy involves several steps to ensure the medication is delivered safely and effectively:
- Consultation and Assessment: Before starting infusion therapy, a thorough assessment is conducted to determine the best treatment plan for each patient.
- IV Insertion: A nurse or healthcare provider will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein, typically in the arm.
- Medication Delivery: Once the IV is in place, the medication is delivered over a period of time, depending on the type of infusion.
- Post-Infusion Care: After the infusion, patients are monitored for any side effects or reactions to the medication.
Cell Therapy Beyond Cancer FAQ
What is CAR T-cell therapy other than cancer?
CAR T-cell therapy extends beyond oncology to potentially treat autoimmune diseases and infections. By utilizing CAR T cells to target specific immune cells, this therapy holds the potential to revolutionize cellular therapy in conditions like lupus and colitis, going beyond traditional cancer immunotherapy.
What is the new T-cell treatment for cancer?
The latest advancement in T-cell treatment for cancer involves utilizing CAR T cells, specifically engineered chimeric antigen receptor T cells, to bind to cancer cells and kill them. These therapies are highly effective in previously untreatable B cell malignancies and are expanding to solid tumors, showcasing the versatility of CAR T therapies in oncology.
What are the three types of infusions?
The three primary types of infusions include chemotherapy, targeted therapy such as CAR T-cell therapies for cancer, and supportive treatments like immune cell infusions to boost the immune system. Each type is tailored to harness the potential of CAR T cells and other therapies to treat a wide range of diseases beyond traditional cancer applications.
Why Choose Astera Cancer Care for Infusion Therapy?
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of infusion therapy, Astera Cancer Care is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. We proudly serve patients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better management of your chronic illness.