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

Abstract

651 Background: Repeated venous punctures are usually required in cancer patients for application of chemotherapy. Central venous catheters and implantable port systems have substantially facilitated the problem of vascular access. Safe and easy-to-handle port systems have become an integral part of daily clinical routine in oncology. However, there are several serious complications associated with central venous ports (CV-ports). With the recent development of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) therapy involving oral administration of drug preparations, etc., implantation of a CV-port can be avoided. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of administration of chemotherapy via median cubital vein without CV port for metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods: The study included 144 patients who received XELOX + bevacizumab (BV) therapy and XELOX therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer without implantation of a CV-port. Results: Eighty-five patients experienced vascular pain, but it was transient. The drip infusion route had to be switched to the opposite side because of vascular pain in only 1 of the 144 patients. No patients required CV-port implantation or postponement of treatment due to adverse events caused by administration of the drug via the peripheral vein. Grade 3 or higher hemotoxicity was noted in 12.5%, and grade 3 or higher nonhematological toxicity was noted in 17.4%. Conclusions: We may be able to perform port-free-chemotherapy via median cubital vein for patients with colorectal cancer. We can avoid the serious complications associated with CV-port.