Chemoports for Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients - An Indian Experience with Literature Review

Objectives: Our study investigates the relevance of chemoports in administering chemotherapy medication in comparison with those that receive medication through peripheral Intravenous (IV) access in patients with Breast Cancer and gives an insight into our experience with chemoports in a resource-deficient setting while comparing it with existing literature on the subject.S Methods: A retrospective observational study was undertaken over a period of 3 years consisting of 181 patients diagnosed with breast cancer.Chemoports were used for 61 patients while peripheral IV access was the mode of chemotherapeutic drug instillation in 120 patients.These patients were observed till the point of chemoport removal, with the data obtained being compared with existing literature and standard data. Results:The mean duration of an in-situ chemoports 441.3 days.97% of chemoports were inserted into the Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) and 3%, into the subclavian vein.7 patients (11%) had their chemoports removed prematurely.The overall complication rate within the chemoport group was 16.3%.Phlebitis post-IV access was seen in 22.5% of the study population while 10% had complaints of drug extravasation.Complications per cycle of chemotherapy occurring through the chemoport was 1.68% while, in the peripheral IV group, it stood at 24.17%. Conclusions:Long-term chemotherapy is most efficaciously instilled through chemoports.To further diminish complications, every chemoport needs to regularly flushed, while maintaining the highest standards of sterility.Due to the expense incurred, the investment into chemoport insertion must be justified by its prolonged usage without the occurrence of complications.