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Extravasation of systemic hemato-oncological therapies
R A Ener1, S B Meglathery, M Styler
1Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA. enerr@einstein.edu
Summary
Chemotherapy extravasation, a severe complication of intravenous cancer drugs, causes tissue injury. Prevention through careful administration and management with cooling, warming, or antidotes is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Systemic intravenous chemotherapeutic agents can lead to severe emergency situations.
- Drug extravasation is a particularly devastating complication, causing local tissue injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence, prevention, and management of chemotherapy extravasation.
- To discuss the role of specific antidotes in mitigating tissue damage from extravasated drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on chemotherapy extravasation incidence and management.
- Analysis of guidelines for administering vesicant drugs.
- Discussion of medical management strategies including local cooling/warming and antidotes.
Main Results:
- The incidence of extravasation ranges from 0.1-6.5%.
- Careful administration techniques can prevent most extravasations.
- Management involves maintaining IV lines, local temperature application, and specific antidotes.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy extravasation is a significant risk requiring strict adherence to administration guidelines.
- Prompt and appropriate management, including antidotes, is essential to minimize tissue damage.