Whether it’s a family member, friend, or yourself, everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death1 in the U.S., and this year, 1.9 million2 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed.
Since 1991, there has been a 33% reduction in mortality3 and with more cancer diagnoses, the number of cancer survivors will dramatically increase as well.
It’s clear that an enormous amount of resources must be devoted to fighting the disease. A change to how treatment is delivered is on the rise, including a shift to the home for certain approved chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.
The progression of moving chemotherapy to the home
Researchers have recognized the potential benefits of treating cancer at home, including chemotherapy infusion, for more than three decades.
- A 1989 study 4 in the journal Cancer found that patients with lung cancer who received home nursing care experienced relief from symptom distress and maintained their independence longer than those who received care in the office.
- Another study 5 in 2000 out of Australia showed that cancer patients overwhelmingly preferred therapy at home, there was no increased risk of complications, and outcomes were similar. The study also found that home care was much more cost-effective than hospital-based care.
- A long-term study6 conducted in 2010 of U.S. cancer patients showed that home-based care led to reduced use of emergency services and decreased hospital admissions.
- And finally, a more recent study7 in 2021 looked at the benefits of administering cancer treatments in the home in the post-Covid era. It concluded that home-based treatment not only enhances the quality of life, but can reduce healthcare utilization while maintaining the clinical benefits of treatment.
What are the benefits for chemotherapy at home?
Research continues to point to the benefits of chemotherapy treatments which are approved for home infusion. A study 8 presented at the NCCN 2022 Annual Conference found that 90% of patients completed treatment, and none stopped treatment because of adverse drug reactions. Additionally, patients who understand who to call when they need help and those with medication administration and other instructions had the highest satisfaction scores.
Home-based chemotherapy infusion has many advantages, including:
- symptom management at home
- allows nurses to assess adherence to IV and oral chemotherapy treatment
- prevents treatment delays since patients don’t have to wait for a slot at an infusion center
- improved quality of life
For oncologists and their staff, home-based chemotherapy infusion allows patients to have support once they’re home. Home Infusion nurses provide education that reinforces adherence to care plans set by the oncologist. This home-based engagement can help reduce calls to the doctor’s office and provide reassurance that patients are being well taken care of.
Learn more about chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments that are approved for the home. through CareCentrix’s home infusion solution.
References
1. CA: A Cancer Journal For Clinicians: Cancer statistics, 2022
3. CA: A Cancer Journal For Clinicians: Cancer statistics, 2023
4. Cancer
5. The Medical Journal of Australia
6. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management
7. Blood.
