Background and Importance Home-based chemotherapy is becoming a valid alternative to hospital-based treatment for patients with malignant haematological disorders.

Aim and Objectives To evaluate the benefits of implementing a home infusion chemotherapy treatment for patients with malignant haematological disorders.

Material and Methods Prospective observational study from February 2016 to September 2023 in a tertiary hospital. The haematologist selected patients with autonomy for self-care and good family support. The chemotherapy protocols administered at home were: ESHAP: Etoposide 40 mg/m² IV over 2 h days 1 to 4 – Cytarabine 2000 mg/m²IV over 2 h on day 5 – Cisplatin 25 mg/m² in 22 h continuous IV infusion days 1 to 4 – Prednisone 60 mg/m² oral days 1 to 5, DHAOx: Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² IV over 2h day 1- Cytarabine 2000mg/m²/12h IV in 2h day 2 – Dexamethasone 40mg oral days 1 to 4 and EPOCH: Etoposide 50 mg/m²+Doxorubicine 10mg/m²+Vincristine 0, 4 mg/m² continuous IV infusion 24h days 1–4, cyclophosphamide 750mg/m² IV day 5, Prednisone 60mg/m² oral days 1 to 5. Patients were infused at home using an elastomeric infuser. Home treatment was prepared individually by the pharmacist.

Results Home infusion chemotherapy treatment was performed in 46 patients. 43,4% with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma received ESHAP in second-line, with a median age of 51 years, and 32,6% with mantle cell lymphoma received DHAOX in first-line with a median age of 46 years and 23,9% with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were treated with EPOCH in first-line with median age 42 years. This allowed an optimisation of waiting lists by 90%, treating more patients requiring admission to the inpatient ward with less delay. Acceptance of the procedure increased in 92% of patients. The risk of infection by nosocomial microorganisms was reduced. A saving of 2500 euros per patient was achieved. 95% of patients said they were very satisfied receiving their chemotherapy treatment, being more comfortable.

Conclusion and Relevance Home Infusion Chemotherapy Treatment for ESHAP, DHAOX and EPOCH has been an effective, safe and feasible process. It has managed to avoid hospitalisation of haemato-oncology patients receiving IV chemotherapy, saving hospital stays, reducing nosocomial infections and improving quality of life.

References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2018 May 1;75(9):246–258.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.