Home-based chemotherapy proves to be safe and feasible in pilot study

In the pilot study, a multidisciplinary team delivered 93 IV chemotherapy infusions to 10 patients in their homes. Researchers reported no treatment-related infusion reactions or catheter-related infections, supporting the safety and feasibility of this approach.

The study highlights the potential of home-based chemotherapy to reduce the physical, emotional and financial burdens associated with cancer treatment. Patients avoided travel time and experienced fewer disruptions to daily life while maintaining a continuous connection with their care team through virtual visits and remote monitoring.

Most participants surveyed reported high satisfaction with at-home care and said they would recommend the model to others.

"This approach is about more than convenience," Dr. Dronca says. "It's about improving quality of life during treatment and expanding access to care for patients who may face barriers to reaching traditional cancer centers."

To build on these findings, Mayo Clinic is still enrolling patients in a randomized clinical trial that launched in August 2023 to evaluate home-based chemotherapy compared with standard infusion care. This study will examine safety, patient experience, outcomes and costs, with the goal of expanding access to high-quality cancer care and reducing barriers to clinical trial participation.

Source:

Mayo Clinic

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