Acceptance of portable infusion pumps for chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

• Autores: I. Loizaga Díaz, M. Teresa Pérez Hoyos, A. Aguirrezábal Arredondo, Mercedes Urruela Oliván, S. Vallinas Hidalgo
• Localización: European journal of clinical pharmacy: atención farmacéutica, ISSN 2385-409X, Vol. 16, Nº. 2, 2014, págs. 95-101
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Introduction: Colorectal cancer is an important health problem in our field. For the treatment of the metastatic disease we have 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with oxaliplantin, irinotecan and monocolonal antibodies. The continuous infusion of 5-FU has shown to be more active and less toxic. For this reason and as an alternative to hospitalisation, portable chemotherapy infusers have been developed. These systems lower the costs, but at the same time they can create feelings of insecurity or a decrease in the quality of life in the patient. Objectives: To describe the degree of acceptance of the portable elastomeric infusers by the patients, as well as the discomforts deriving from their use and the adverse effects derived from the chemotherapy. To analyse the incidents in the functioning of the infusers. Method: Descriptive study that included patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer in treatment with portable infusion pumps of 5-fluorouracil, to whom two questionnaires were given to evaluate their degree of adaptation to the infuser. Incidents related to the handling and functioning of the infuser were analysed. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the profile of the adverse effects. Main outcome measurement: Degree of patient's adaptation to the chemotherapy infusers. Results: The data from 31 patients were analysed. The scheme with oxaliplantin was related to a higher rate of adverse effects. 47.8% (No. = 11) of the patients, classified their overall condition as good or very good and almost all of those surveyed trusted the functioning of the system, considering it an advantage over hospitalisation. Of the 181 cycles administered, an incident occurred in only one of them, related to the inadequate placement of the infuser. Discussion: The chemotherapy infusers have managed to decrease the hospital stays and even though they are a strange element for them, the patients presented a favourable attitude towards them. Providing them with adequate information could contribute to this fact. Conclusions: The chemotherapy infusers are a safe and well-tolerated alternative to hospitalisation for the infusion of chemotherapy. The used schemes have a known and tolerable profile of adverse effects