Survival and Complications After Placement of Central Venous Access Ports for Palliative Chemotherapy: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: Given the lack of empiric recommendations for vascular access for palliative chemotherapy, we aimed to analyze survival and complications after placement of central venous access ports for palliative chemotherapy. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 135 patients undergoing port placement for palliative chemotherapy at a single institution from January 2015 – July 2020. Results: The median age was 68 (range 47-91). Median overall survival was 7.7 months (95% CI, 6.5-8.9 months). The rate of port-related complications was 11.1% (15 of 135). Patients who developed port-related complications required corrective surgery in 73.3% (11 of 15) of cases. Results were similar among all patients, regardless of their primary diagnoses or central venous access sites. Conclusions: Increased awareness about the limited survival of patients after port placement for palliative chemotherapy, and their significant complication risk could be used to help patients and their providers make value-aligned decisions about vascular access.