Ambulatory chemotherapy: Past, present, and future

Abstract

Ambulatory chemotherapy allows the delivery of short and extended chemotherapy infusions through a portable pump from the comfort of patients’ homes. It is essential to offer it for suitable candidates to ensure both their safety and the success of the treatment session. This requires a delicate balance between clinical assessment and patient acceptance. The two main components of this treatment modality are the pump and the access device. There are several pump designs and mechanisms on the market, with the latest being the portable disposable elastomeric one. Clinicians along with a multidisciplinary medical team often decide upon the type of access device; patients are also involved whenever shared decision making is practiced. Despite some reports of pump programming errors or malfunctions, research is underway to find innovative solutions to support its use.