Supportive Procedures

Supportive procedures are treatments that help manage symptoms, reduce side effects, and support the overall comfort and wellbeing of patients during cancer care. These procedures make it easier to continue treatment safely and may help prevent complications or unplanned hospital visits. Supportive procedures can include placing ports or PICC lines to deliver chemotherapy, draining fluid from around the lungs or abdomen to improve breathing, relieving pain through targeted injections or bone-strengthening treatments, or placing feeding tubes or stents to support nutrition and digestion. Other supportive therapies such as blood transfusions, hydration, or treatments for infection help patients stay stable and better able to continue their care.

Your care team will recommend supportive procedures based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plan. Most procedures are minimally invasive and are performed in an outpatient or short-stay setting. You will be monitored closely before, during, and after the procedure to help ensure safety, comfort, and a smooth recovery.