Intravenous vs Subcutaneous Oncology Therapies: Balancing Efficacy, Efficiency, and Patient Experience

Intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations each play important roles in modern oncology care, with distinct strengths and limitations. IV administration offers established dosing precision, flexibility for complex regimens, and familiarity across oncology practices, but it is often associated with longer chair time, higher staffing demands, and increased use of infusion resources. In contrast, SC injections provide a more streamlined approach, with shorter administration times and reduced need for infusion infrastructure. Emerging evidence suggests that SC formulations can meaningfully decrease health care utilization, improve clinic efficiency, and enhance patient convenience without compromising clinical outcomes. For patients, SC delivery may translate into less time in the clinic and a more favorable treatment experience, while practices may benefit from improved throughput and optimized resource allocation. Together, these considerations highlight the growing value of SC formulations in evolving oncology care models.