ASCO warns home infusion anticancer therapy not a safe alternative
Although COVID-19 has disrupted treatment, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) says it is unclear if the benefits of home infusion services outweigh the risks, according to a position statement released by the society.
“We understand that COVID-19 has resulted in treatment challenges in some cases, and that home infusion services have been utilized as an alternative to treatment in outpatient facilities, but it is still unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks of this approach,” said ASCO President Lori J. Pierce, MD, FASTRO, FASCO in a statement. “During and beyond this pandemic, patient safety must continue to be the first priority, and the decision to administer anticancer therapy in a home setting should be made only if both the treating physician and patient agree it’s in the patient’s best interest.”
During home infusions, a health care professional, administers treatment at a patient’s health. Issues concerning the safe handling of anticancer therapy and the possibility for a lapse in coordination with oncologists are raised by ASCO. Treating adverse side effects that become life-threatening may also be more difficult in a patient’s home.
Read the full statement here.
