Systematic patient involvement for homebased outpatient administration of complex chemotherapy in acute leukemia and lymphoma

Br J Haematol. 2018 Jun;181(5):637-641. doi: 10.1111/bjh.15249. Epub 2018 Apr 20.

Abstract

Based on experience with comprehensive patient involvement, we present data from implementation of portable, programmable infusion pumps (PPP) for home-based chemotherapy administration in patients with acute leukaemia and in lymphoma patients receiving (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) BEAM regimen. Data from 84 patients, receiving 177 cycles of PPP administered chemotherapy, showed convincing safety with minor equipment errors encountered and with high patient satisfaction. In-hospital days could be reduced with 52% out of a total of 1197 treatment days. Homebased PPP has several advantages from a patient perspective and furthermore frees up in-hospital beds for patients in need of them.

Keywords: HSC transplantation; acute leukaemia; chemotherapy; patient involvement; programmable infusion pump.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Carmustine / administration & dosage
  • Cytarabine / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps*
  • Leukemia / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Melphalan / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatients*
  • Podophyllotoxin / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Cytarabine
  • Podophyllotoxin
  • Melphalan
  • Carmustine

Supplementary concepts

  • BEAM protocol