[Ten years experience of home parenteral nutrition or hydration in advanced cancer patients]

From April 1987 to May 1997, ninety-six advanced cancer patients including ninety-one among 159 home care patients and five outpatients were administered parenteral nutrition or hydration. Eventually, 67 patients died at home. We concluded through our experience that advanced cancer patients who were unable to eat or drink might live at home with the support of parenteral nutrition or hydration. But four conditions are needed for satisfactory home care of these patients. First, patients understanding their disease condition therefore together with their family hope for home care. Second, the home care support team is organized in an institution. Third, the home care support team is on call for emergencies. Fourth, the home care support team can not only manage home parenteral nutrition but also provide palliative care, including pain control.