The delivery of chemotherapy has evolved from simple intravenous (IV) injections to a variety of specialized routes designed to maximize efficacy. These include "Intraperitoneal" (IP) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, "Intrathecal" (IT) for cancers that have spread to the central nervous system, and "Intra-arterial" (IA) for localized liver tumors. The goal is to deliver the highest possible concentration of the drug directly to the tumor while sparing the rest of the body.

Chemotherapy is also categorized by its timing in relation to other treatments. Neoadjuvant Therapy is given before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove. Adjuvant Therapy is given after surgery to kill any remaining microscopic cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. To understand the integration of these protocols in modern oncology workflows, refer to the Chemotherapy Market resource.

The future of chemotherapy lies in its synergy with immunotherapy and targeted agents. While chemotherapy remains the "backbone" of treatment for most advanced cancers, "Chemo-Immunotherapy" combinations are proving to be more effective than either treatment alone. By using chemotherapy to "prime" the tumor—breaking it down and releasing antigens—the immune system can more easily recognize and attack the remaining malignant cells.