[Present status of home therapy cancer patients using an infusor]

We started a department of medical oncology and the risk management system of cancer chemotherapy since April in 2004. After that, chemotherapy administration increased steadily in numbers, especially on an outpatient basis. For reliable venous access, we made active use of a central venous Port (more than 60% of cases) as a rout of administration. Fifty five patients with advanced colorectal cancer were treated by FOLFIRI or FOLFOX regimen from April 2005 to June 2006. Two hundred sixty four cycles of FOLFIRI and 276 cycles of FOLFOX were administered. One hundred sixteen cycles (44%) and 117 cycles (42%) were performed through home therapy, respectively. Twenty five out of 55 patients could shift to home therapy using an infusor. Nine out of 30 patients wanted to continue on an inpatient basis, because their private insurance for medical care did not support the outpatient chemotherapy.