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Establishing a programme for continuous ambulatory infusion chemotherapy
1Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|March 4, 1998
Summary
Establishing ambulatory chemotherapy programs for home-based 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusions is feasible. Patient preference significantly influences device selection, with Portacath emerging as a preferred venous access device (VAD).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Advancements in venous access devices (VADs) and portable infusion pumps facilitate home-based continuous chemotherapy.
- Home administration of chemotherapy offers convenience and potentially improved patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the implementation of an ambulatory chemotherapy program.
- To evaluate the use of protracted venous infusions (PVIs) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in a home setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient records for gastrointestinal malignancy treated with PVI 5-FU.
- Documentation of VAD types, infusion pump systems, and management protocols.
- Development of patient education materials and information packages.
Main Results:
- Seventy-four patients with gastrointestinal cancer were included in the study.
- Portacath was the most frequently chosen VAD by study conclusion.
- Both infusion pumps demonstrated unique advantages and disadvantages, with patient preference guiding selection over performance differences.
Conclusions:
- Ambulatory chemotherapy services can be successfully provided with careful attention to potential challenges.
- Establishing home-based chemotherapy programs requires robust patient support and education.