Continuous infusion of chemotherapy on an outpatient basis via a totally implanted venous access port.
170 patients were treated with continuous infusion of epirubicin, mitoxantrone, carboplatin or 5-fluorouracil through an implanted venous access port with a portable infusion pump. A total of 440 cycles were given on an outpatient basis. The patients were instructed how to dissolve their drugs and to change the syringes. The complication rate was low. 10 patients developed a thrombosis of the subclavian vein, resulting in cessation of therapy in 5. Pulmonary embolism occurred twice, in 1 patient during a period of subclavian vein thrombosis. Needle dislocation occurred 6 times and catheter occlusion 20 times. Patency was restored with saline or urokinase. Local infection occurred 3 times and systemic infection only once. This technique is suitable for continuous infusion of different cytostatic drugs on an outpatient basis. Patients were able to prepare their drugs at home and the system can remain in situ for 3 weeks without increasing the complication rate.
Nanninga
A G
AG
Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
de Vries
E G
EG
Willemse
P H
PH
Oosterhuis
B E
BE
Sleijfer
D T
DT
Hoekstra
H J
HJ
Mulder
N H
NH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012646:Self Administration
D015251:Epirubicin; D016190:Carboplatin; D008942:Mitoxantrone; D005472:Fluorouracil