title: Establishing a programme for continuous ambulatory infusion chemotherapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The development of venous access devices (VADs) and portable infusion pumps has enabled chemotherapy to be administered continuously within the home environment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to describe the experience of establishing an ambulatory chemotherapy programme for patients receiving protracted infusions (PVIs) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
  
  
  METHODS
  The files of all patients receiving PVI 5-FU as a component of their treatment for gastrointestinal malignancy were reviewed. The types of VADs, infusion pump systems and their management were documented. Information packages and education programmes were developed for patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-four patients with gastrointestinal cancer were studies. At the end of the period the Portacath was the preferred VAD, while both pumps used were found to have advantages and disadvantages. The choice of pump was decided more by patient preference than systematic differences in performance of the pumps.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings in this review confirm that, with close attention to the potential pitfalls of ambulatory chemotherapy, an acceptable service can be provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Visintin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kovac
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Childs
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kelleher
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Storey
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Findlay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005472:Fluorouracil