[Experience of cancer home chemotherapy with cooperation between hospital and clinic]

Cancer home chemotherapy has improved through the cooperation between hospital and clinic. We have experienced cancer home chemotherapy in 90 cases of terminal cancer from August 1990 to May 1998. Patients had received Low-dose infusions of 5-FU and CDDP during 6-7 days using an implanted reservoir and balloon-style continuous infusor. This therapy was continued for about several months to 2 years. We chose one method from among central venous infusion, subselective aortal infusion, selective arterial infusion, and combination of these types of infusion. The role of the hospital includes reduction operations and operations involving implant systems. When these are finished, patients are discharged from hospital and introduced to the clinic as quickly as possible. On the other hand, the clinic should care for implanted infusion system, prevent side effects, and care for patient's general condition. Side effects due to drug overdose must especially be prevented. This time, we have examined the respective roles of the hospital and clinic, some mutual problems, along with medical costs and insurance.