[Outpatient cancer chemotherapy employing implantable systems]

Outpatient cancer chemotherapy (OCC) employing implantable systems was introduced and the objects, conditions and problems of OCC were discussed based on experiences in 324 cases. The aims of OCC are improved QOL and the continuation of chemotherapy. Our requirements are safety, effectiveness, easy management and non-disturbance of activity. Implantable systems are very useful for OCC, especially continuous infusion combined with ambulatory pumps. However, the improvement of ambulatory pumps and the establishment of methods to evaluate OCC are required to further develop OCC.