ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM FOR CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY INFUSION CHEMOTHERAPY

Background: The development of venous access devices (VADs) and portab le infusion pumps has enabled chemotherapy to be administered continuo usly within the home environment. Aim: The objective of this study was to describe the experience of establishing an ambulatory chemotherapy programme for patients receiving protracted infusions (PVIs) of 5-flu orouracil (5-FU). Methods: The files of all patients receiving PVI 5-F U as a component of their treatment for gastrointestinal malignancy we re reviewed. The types of VADs, infusion pump systems and their manage ment were documented. Information packages and education programmes we re developed for patients. Results: Seventy-four patients with gastroi ntestinal cancer were studied. At the end of the review period the Por tacath 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 p umps. Conclusions: The findings in this review confirm that, with clos e attention to the potential pitfalls of ambulatory chemotherapy, an a cceptable service can be provided.