The impact of infusion reactions associated with monoclonal antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancer: a European perspective.
OBJECTIVE
Published data on the clinical and economic impact of infusion reactions to monoclonal antibodies are limited. This study investigated oncologists' and oncology nurses' opinions about resource use associated with infusion reactions and the impact on patient management in Europe.


METHODS
Eighty oncologists and nurses from Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK currently treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were interviewed by telephone using a 27-item questionnaire developed for this study.


RESULTS
The mean estimated number of staff (physicians and nurses) involved in managing an infusion reaction was 1.97 for a grade 1, 2.35 for a grade 2, 3.6 for a grade 3 and 5.3 for a grade 4 reaction. In respondents' experiences, most patients with grade 3 infusion reactions (73.4%) were admitted to hospital for treatment; 82.5% of those with grade 4 infusion reactions were treated in intensive care. The estimated duration of hospital treatment was 13.3 ± 29 h for a grade 3 infusion reaction, increasing to 48.1 ± 43.7 h for a grade 4 infusion reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
According to respondents, management of infusion reactions led to substantial resource use, which increased with the severity of the reaction. More severe reactions also led to anxiety in patients and distress to staff.
PRMA Consulting Ltd, Fleet, UK. schadda@prmaconsulting.com
Shkun
S
Chadda
Mark
M
Larkin
Clare
C
Jones
David
D
Sykes
Beth
B
Barber
Zhongyun
Z
Zhao
Sue
S
Gao
Nils-Olof
NO
Bengttson
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005060:Europe; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007902:Length of Stay; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009726:Nurses; D010820:Physicians; D010865:Pilot Projects; D024382:Professional Role; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D000078329:Workforce
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents