Administration of chemotherapy via the median cubital vein without implantable central venous access ports: port-free chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Background: Repeated venous punctures are usually required during chemotherapy administration for cancer patients. Central venous catheters and implantable port systems have substantially facilitated vascular access, and safe, easy-to-handle port systems have become an integral part of daily clinical routines in oncology. However, several serious complications are associated with central venous ports (CV-ports), and recent developments of combined oral capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) therapies allow CV-port-free administration. In this study, the safety and efficacy of CV-port-free chemotherapy administration via the median cubital vein was assessed in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Methods: This study included 144 patients who received XELOX + bevacizumab (BV) or XELOX therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer without CV-port implantation.

Results: Eighty-five patients experienced transient vascular pain. The drip infusion route was switched to the opposite side following vascular pain in only 1 patient. No patients required CV-port implantation or delayed treatment due to adverse events associated with drug administration via the peripheral vein. Grade 3 or higher hemotoxicity and grade 3 or higher non-hematological toxicity was noted in 12.5 and 17.4 % of patients, respectively.

Conclusions: Port-free-chemotherapy administration via the median cubital vein is appropriate for patients with colorectal cancer, thereby avoiding complications associated with CV-ports.