J Oncol Can | Volume 1, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access

A Review of an Ambulatory Chemotherapy Facility, First Time in Sri Lanka

Malaviarachchi S*, Balawardana J, Jayalath H, Perera R and Senanayake A

Department of Oncology, Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, Sri Lanka

^*Correspondance to: Malaviarachchi S, 

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Abstract

Ambulatory Chemotherapy (AC) allows the delivery of extended chemotherapy infusions through an ambulatory pump. Patients can have chemotherapy comfortably at home and minimize the hospital stay hence, can reduce the annual health budget. It is essential to select suitable candidates to ensure both patient safety and the success of the treatment session. Historically the provision of chemotherapy infusions is solely delivered on an inward basis in Oncology wards. Breakthrough in oncology clinical practice gradually shifted chemotherapy provision in outpatient settings. However, 24 h or 48 h continuous chemotherapy infusion essentially requires inward admissions. During inward stay also they have to restrict their mobility to the bed site and always needed to mobilize with the saline stand or interrupt the chemotherapy infusion. There are many practical problems and risks of chemotherapy- associated side effects with these regimens. The concept of administration of chemotherapy outside the hospital started back in 2007 in the United Kingdom. That is through Mobile Chemotherapy Units (MCU) and these MCUs are driven to a specified location conveniently close to patients. MCUs are managed by the same staff operating in an outpatient area. Subsequently, home chemotherapy or hospital at home care developed. Administration of intravenous chemotherapy at home under direct medical supervision by a specialized nurse; suited for patients wanting to avoid admissions for infusion lasting hours and days.

Keywords:

Ambulatory chemotherapy infusion pumps; Port A catheter; FOLFOX; Chemotherapy; Quality of life

Citation:

Malaviarachchi S, Balawardana J, Jayalath H, Perera R, Senanayake A. A Review of an Ambulatory Chemotherapy Facility, First Time in Sri Lanka. J Oncol Cancer. 2021; 1(1): 1002.