Administration of chemotherapy via the median cubital vein without implantable central venous access ports: port-free chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Repeated venous punctures are usually required during chemotherapy administration for cancer patients. Central venous catheters and implantable port systems have substantially facilitated vascular access, and safe, easy-to-handle port systems have become an integral part of daily clinical routines in oncology. However, several serious complications are associated with central venous ports (CV-ports), and recent developments of combined oral capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) therapies allow CV-port-free administration. In this study, the safety and efficacy of CV-port-free chemotherapy administration via the median cubital vein was assessed in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS:

This study included 144 patients who received XELOX + bevacizumab (BV) or XELOX therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer without CV-port implantation.

RESULTS:

Eighty-five patients experienced transient vascular pain. The drip infusion route was switched to the opposite side following vascular pain in only 1 patient. No patients required CV-port implantation or delayed treatment due to adverse events associated with drug administration via the peripheral vein. Grade 3 or higher hemotoxicity and grade 3 or higher non-hematological toxicity was noted in 12.5 and 17.4 % of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Port-free-chemotherapy administration via the median cubital vein is appropriate for patients with colorectal cancer, thereby avoiding complications associated with CV-ports.

• Authors: Yoichiro Yoshida, Seiichiro Hoshino, Naoya Aisu, Masayasu Naito, Syu Tanimura, Ai Mogi, Toshihiro Tanaka, Keiji Hirata, Kazuo Tamura, Yuichi Yamashita
• Journal: International journal of clinical oncology (Int J Clin Oncol) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 332-7 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1437-7772 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 24811333 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Oxaloacetates
• Deoxycytidine
• Bevacizumab
• Capecitabine
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (drug therapy, secondary)
• Administration, Intravenous
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Bevacizumab (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Capecitabine
• Catheterization, Peripheral (adverse effects)
• Colorectal Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Deoxycytidine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Female
• Fluorouracil (administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Oxaloacetates
• Pain (etiology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Vascular Access Devices