Chemotherapy Administration Safety Research Articles

Recent developments in the pharmacology of anticancer drugs in the elderly.

The aging of the population has focused interest on the care of elderly cancer patients. Data are becoming available that will better guide the use of chemotherapy. Recent studies are presented discussing new pharmacokinetic data on a number of chemotherapeutic agents, with an emphasis on those recently entering clinical practice. These agents seem to have a beneficial therapeutic index, particularly regarding elderly patients. They include gemcitabine, vinorelbine, the taxanes, anthracyclines, platinum compounds, topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, and the oral fluoropyrimidines. Careful attention to the physiologic changes with age along with dose adjustments for end-organ dysfunction (renal, hepatic) must be done to ensure the safe administration of chemotherapy.

Long-term central venous catheters: issues for care.

Long-term central venous catheters allow the safe administration of chemotherapy, blood and blood products, total parenteral nutrition, fluids, and other medications. Despite their benefits, the risk of certain complications (e.g., fibrin sleeve and mural thrombus formation, infection, catheter occlusion, extravasation, and catheter malposition) exist for every person who has a catheter. Thus, preventative measures, recognition of early signs and symptoms of complications, and adequate care of utmost importance.