[Oncologic therapy at home: a trial model]

In the course of a trial investigation, 162 patients with malignant tumour were treated in their home between November 1986 and August 1988. A team - consisting of doctor, nurse and psychologist - was the link between patient, family practitioner, tumour centre and social services in an integrated treatment regimen. Chemotherapy was performed at home in 64 patients, artificial parenteral or enteral nutrition in 22. Home treatment was undertaken in 23 patients in the endstage of their illness and in 49 patients after mutilating cancer operations. The complication rate of home treatment was only 0.5%. Rehospitalization became necessary in some, especially because of complications of the underlying disease, which required extension of the treatment. With this regimen patients were able to remain at home for 84% of required treatment time (7921 patient days).