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

Abstract

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. This study included 144 patients who received XELOX + bevacizumab (BV) or XELOX therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer without CV-port implantation. 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. Port-free-chemotherapy administration via the median cubital vein is appropriate for patients with colorectal cancer, thereby avoiding complications associated with CV-ports.