Bibliography: ambulatory infusion therapy

Although clinical research involving ambulatory drug infusion therapy can be documented back to 1963, its widespread application outside major teaching centers has only come about in recent years. This is largely due to advances in pump technology, which include the advent of totally implanted pumps and injection ports and the increased reliability and patient acceptance of external infusers. The therapeutic implications of using various drugs via this route of administration have also received greater attention. Many insights have been gained into the kinetics, stability, dosage, and usefulness of various agents administered continuously over extended periods. In an effort to keep abreast of available information regarding this therapeutic modality, an online bibliography is maintained in our drug information center. Contained within are 161 articles cross-referenced under 27 headings yielding over 360 citations. The citations are organized into three basic reference groups: (I) Administration method, (II) Target lesion, and (III) Cancer chemotherapeutic agent. "Target lesion" listings for nononcologic applications of ambulatory infusions include references to the following active agents: Dobutamine (cardiac function), Insulin (diabetes), Morphine, Bupivacaine (pain management), and Heparin (thromboembolic disease). Given that the majority of references describing ambulatory infusion therapy of metastatic colorectal carcinoma include floxuridine (FUDR) dosing guidelines, no attempt was made to include these citations within the floxuridine listing. All citations included under the "Colorectal cancer/hepatic lesions" listing, which contain FUDR dosing guidelines, are so indicated with an asterisk. All other FUDR citations are listed under the "Floxuridine" agent listing.