Management of cytotoxic extravasation - ASORS expert opinion for diagnosis, prevention and treatment

GEDEFO-SEFH management of antineoplastic extravasations survey results

INTRODUCTION

Extravasation is a potentially severe complication of intravenous administration of antineoplastic drugs. The limited data makes it difficult to develop an optimal management scheme. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical practice in the extravasation management of antineoplastic agents in Spanish centers.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed to oncology pharmacists using the email distribution list of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Respondents were surveyed on the standard operational protocol (SOP) of extravasation, tissue damage risk classification, and specific measures of extravasation management.

RESULTS

A total of 68 surveys were completed. A specific extravasation SOP was available in 82.4% centers. The pharmacist participates in the authorship (100%) and actively collaborates in extravasation management (76.5%). A tissue damage risk classification based on the three categories was mostly adopted (48.2%) and 73.2% applied specific criteria based on concentration and/or extravasated volume. Extravasation management was mainly performed with the application of physical measures and/or antidotes (91.2%). High variability in the choices of pharmacological and/or physical measures recommended is outstanding.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study highlight the involvement of Spanish pharmacists in extravasation management, the application of physical measures and/or pharmacological measures as the method of choice in extravasation management, as well as the existing discrepancies in tissue damage risk classification and management recommendations.

Determination of Extravasation Effects of Nal-Iri and Trabectedin and Evaluation of Treatment Options for Trabectedin Extravasation in a Preclinical Animal Model

Background: Extravasation during chemotherapy administration can lead to dangerous adverse effects ranging from pain to tissue necrosis. Evidence-based data about prevention and treatment of extravasation injuries of some clinically used compounds still remains elusive. This work aimed to investigate, in a preclinical mouse model, the effects of extravasation of two chemotherapeutic agents, nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-Iri) and trabectedin. In addition, we aimed to study treatment options for injuries induced by extravasation of these substances. Methods: Mice were subcutaneously injected with nal-Iri or trabectedin applied in clinically used concentration. Doxorubicin was used as a positive control. In subsequently performed experiments, hyaluronidase, DMSO and tacrolimus were tested as potential treatments against extravasation-induced injuries by trabectedin. Systemic effects were analyzed by observation and documentation of the health status of mice and local reactions were measured and graded. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin stained histological sections of the treated skin areas were analyzed. Results: Of the two tested substances, only trabectedin showed vesicant effects. Subcutaneous injection of trabectedin caused erythema formation in mice by day two that was progressing to skin ulcerations by day five. Furthermore, we found that topical treatment of mice with tacrolimus or DMSO reduced the vesicant effects of trabectedin. The results observed in vivo were supported microscopically by the analysis of histological sections. Conclusions: We recommend classifying trabectedin as a vesicant agent and nal-Iri as a non-vesicant agent. Furthermore, our results obtained in a preclinical model suggest that tacrolimus and DMSO might be suitable treatment options of trabectedin extravasations, a finding that might be further utilized in clinical studies.

Prevention and conduct against the Extravasation of antineoplastic chemotherapy: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

to identify and synthesize scientific evidence on prevention and management of extravasation of antineoplastic agents in adult patients by nurses.

METHODS

scoping review, according to Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR. Research was conducted in five electronic databases, Cochrane Library and eight catalogs of theses and dissertations. Data collection occurred from April to July 2018, with no time limit. The extracted data were analyzed and synthesized in a narrative way.

RESULTS

a total of 3,110 records were retrieved and 18 studies were kept for review. Most publications (66.6%) had a qualitative approach and addressed both aspects, i.e., prevention and management of extravasation of chemotherapy in adult patients.

CONCLUSIONS

the implementation of protocols based on scientific evidence on prevention and management of extravasation of antineoplastic agents is paramount in order to provide patient safety and support to the nursing staff.

Managing chemotherapy extravasation in totally implantable central venous access: Use of subcutaneous wash-out technique

BACKGROUND

Totally implanted venous access is widely used in chemotherapy administration. With over 1 million intravenous chemotherapy infusions given worldwide each day, complications are frequent. Accidental cases of extravasation in the presence of a catheter are rare yet very serious and may require discontinuation of chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the subcutaneous wash-out technique for chemotherapy extravasation treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients who had received chemotherapy and sustained extravasation in our hospital between October 2013 and October 2016. Subcutaneous wash-out treatments were carried out exclusively, without the application of antidotes or the use of specific antidotes.

RESULTS

We documented seven cases of chemotherapy extravasation. Two cases were treated with antidotes and suffered necrosis in the following weeks. The five patients treated using subcutaneous wash-out had no necrosis and had a steady decrease in the inflammatory reaction of the cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissues. For these five patients, chemotherapy was restarted within 1 month following extravasation.

CONCLUSION

This study would argue for the feasibility and effectiveness of subcutaneous wash-out in the treatment of chemotherapy extravasations.

Guidelines for the management of extravasation

The purpose of these practice guidelines is to offer and share strategies for preventing extravasation and measures for handling drugs known to cause tissue necrosis, which may occur even with the most skilled experts at intravenous (IV) injection. Herein, general knowledge about extravasation is first described, including its definition, incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and extravasation injuries. Management of extravasation includes nursing intervention and thermal application. At the first sign of extravasation, nursing intervention with following steps is recommended: stop administration of IV fluids immediately, disconnect the IV tube from the cannula, aspirate any remaining drug from the cannula, administer drug-specific antidote, and notify the physician. Local thermal treatments are used to decrease the site reaction and absorption of the infiltrate. Local cooling (ice packs) aids in vasoconstriction, theoretically limiting the drug dispersion. Although clear benefit has not been demonstrated with thermal applications, it remains a standard supportive care. The recommended application schedule for both warm and cold applications is 15 to 20 minutes, every 4 hours, for 24 to 48 hours. For prevention of extravasation, health professionals should be familiar with the extravasation management standard guidelines. They should regularly check the extravasation kit, assess patients’ sensory changes, tingling or burning, and always pay attention to patients’ words. The medical team’s continuous education on extravasation is essential. With the practical use of these guidelines, it is expected to reduce the occurrence rate of extravasation and contribute to patient care improvement.

Update Breast Cancer 2019 Part 2 - Implementation of Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Advanced Breast Cancer Patients in Clinical Practice

The treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer has developed further in recent years. In addition to therapeutic progress in the established subgroups (hormone receptor and HER2 status), there are now therapies which are geared to individual molecular characteristics, such as PARP inhibitor therapy in BRCA-mutated patients. In addition to this, tests are being developed which are intended to establish additional markers within subgroups in order to predict the efficacy of a therapy. PI3K mutation testing in HER2-negative, hormone-receptor-positive tumours and PD-L1 testing of immune cells in triple-negative tumours are expected to become established in clinical practice in order to select patients for the respective therapies. With new therapeutic approaches, new adverse effects also appear. The management of these adverse effects, just as those of classical therapy (supportive therapy), is essential with the introduction of new treatments in order to preserve patients' quality of life. Knowledge regarding measures to preserve and improve quality of life has significantly increased in recent years. Lifestyle factors should be taken into account, as should modern therapeutic methods. This review summarises the latest studies and publications and evaluates them in regard to the relevance for clinical practice.

Thromboprophylaxis and the route of administration of chemotherapy in testicular cancer patients in German-speaking countries

PURPOSE

Due to the excellent cure rates for testicular cancer (TC), focus has shifted towards decreasing therapy-related morbidities. Thrombosis is a frequent complication of cisplatin chemotherapy. Furthermore, the optimal route of administration for chemotherapy is still under debate. The purpose of this study was to assess the patterns of care concerning dosing and duration of thromboprophylaxis currently utilized in TC patients in German-speaking countries as well as the route of chemotherapy administration.

METHODS

A standardized questionnaire was sent to all members of the German TC Study Group (GTCSG) and to all the urological university hospitals in Germany. The questionnaire was also sent to the oncologic clinics at those universities where urologists do not administer chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The response rate was 87% (55/63). Prophylactic anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was administered in 94% of the clinics. The dosing of LMWH was prophylactic (85%), high prophylactic (adjusted to bodyweight) (7%), or risk adapted (9%). After completion of chemotherapy, anticoagulation was continued in 15 clinics (33%) for 2 to 24 weeks, while the remainder stopped the LMWH upon cessation of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was administered via central venous access in 59%, peripheral IV in 27%, or both in 14% of the clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the institutions performed some form of thromboprophylaxis, although the modes of application varied by institution type and amongst the urologists and oncologists. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the incidence, date of occurrence, and risk factors of venous thrombosis during TC chemotherapy to provide a recommendation concerning prophylactic anticoagulation.

Continuous thermographic observation may predict extravasation in chemotherapy-treated patients

PURPOSE

Extravasation, or leakage of vesicant drugs into subcutaneous tissues, causes serious complications such as induration and necrosis in chemotherapy-treated patients. As macroscopic observation may overlook symptoms during infusion, we focused on skin temperature changes at puncture sites and studied thermographic patterns related to induration or necrosis caused by extravasation.

METHODS

Outpatients undergoing chemotherapy using peripheral intravenous catheters were enrolled in this prospective observational study. We filmed and classified infrared thermography movies of puncture sites during infusion; ultrasonography was also utilized at puncture sites to observe the subcutaneous condition. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association of thermographic patterns with induration or necrosis observed on the next chemotherapy day. Differences in patient characteristics, puncture sites, and infusions were analyzed by Mann-Whitney's U test and Fisher's exact test according to thermographic patterns.

RESULTS

Eight patients developed induration among 74 observations in 62 patients. Among six thermographic patterns, a fan-shaped lower temperature area gradually spreading from the puncture site (fan at puncture site) was significantly associated with induration. Ultrasonography revealed that catheters of patients with fan at puncture site remained in the vein at the end of infusion, indicating that the infusion probably leaked from the puncture site. Patients with fan at puncture site had no significant differences in characteristics and infusion conditions compared with those with the other five thermographic patterns.

CONCLUSION

We determined that fan at puncture site was related to induration caused by extravasation. Continuous thermographic observation may enable us to predict adverse events of chemotherapy.

Renal denervation by CT-guided periarterial injection of hyperosmolar saline, vincristine, paclitaxel and guanethidine in a pig model

AIMS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of renal sympathetic denervation with CT-guided periarterial injection of potentially neurolytic agents in pigs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Unilateral injection of formulations containing either 5M hyperosmolar saline, vincristine, paclitaxel or guanethidine around the renal artery was performed in 24 normotensive pigs with six animals per group. Needle placement and injections were performed under CT fluoroscopy guidance. Blood pressure measurements and CT scans were performed immediately before and after the intervention and four weeks after treatment. After euthanasia, norepinephrine (NE) concentrations of both kidneys were determined. The renal arteries and surrounding tissue were examined histologically to evaluate nerve fibre degeneration. Procedures were technically successful with good periarterial distribution of the injectant in all but one pig in the guanethidine group. No major adverse events or post-interventional complications occurred. In the vincristine group, NE concentrations of the renal parenchyma were lower on the treated side in all pigs with a mean decrease of 53% (38%-62%, p<0.01) compared to the contralateral control. Correspondingly, histological examination revealed neural degeneration in all animals treated with vincristine. In the other groups, no significant drop of NE values, or histological signs of nerve fibre degeneration were found.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided periarterial injection of the different substances was feasible and safe. Renal sympathetic denervation was achieved with vincristine. In contrast, hyperosmolar saline, paclitaxel and guanethidine do not seem to be appropriate for renal denervation in a pig model at the dosage used.

Cytotoxic extravasation: an issue disappearing or a problem without solution?

PURPOSE

The incidence and management of antitumoral compound extravasation that occurred in our medical day hospital unit were registered in a 10-year period.

METHODS

A total of 114 episodes were consecutively recorded out of an estimated number of 211,948 administrations performed (0.05%). Type of compound, localization, timing, symptoms, treatment, resolution, or sequelae were documented.

RESULTS

Extravasations after anthracyclines (17/114), platinum compounds (34/114), vinca alkaloids (7/114), and taxanes (34/114) were more frequently associated with edema and erythema ± pain. Five cases of monoclonal antibodies extravasation were observed without sequelae. With the involvement of an interdisciplinary task force and the use of dedicated guidelines, conservative management was successful in all patients. In the great majority of cases, recovery was complete within 48 hours after antidote administration. The support of our pharmacy was crucial. Physiatric evaluation was considered in several cases. No patients required surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm that the adopted standardized approach to this event resulted in a satisfactory outcome and could be suggested as appropriate for managing extravasation in a large clinical context.

Cutaneous manifestations of nontargeted and targeted chemotherapies

Care of the oncologic patient requires an integral understanding of the adverse reactions of chemotherapy. With the advent of targeted agents and immunomodulating therapies, reactions to these newer treatments are of clinical interest. Cutaneous side effects of chemotherapeutic agents, including toxic erythema and mucositis, are common and may require cessation of treatment if associated with discomfort, superinfection, or negative impact on quality of life. This article reviews the cutaneous adverse reactions and treatment options of both conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and newer targeted, multikinase inhibitors and immunomodulating therapies. An understanding of possible cutaneous reactions by all providers involved in the care of the oncologic patient is critical for prompt recognition, allowing for appropriate treatment and referral to dermatologists when necessary.

Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Complication Rates of Peripheral versus Central Venous Administration

OBJECTIVE

Despite the low local toxicity of the used agents, Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBP) for patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is mostly delivered via a central venous access (CVA). Since 2008, CBP is given peripherally in our hospital.

METHODS

Medical reports of TGCT patients who received CBP between September 1991 and August 2014 were evaluated. Complications regarding the way of administration (CVA vs. peripheral venous catheter [PVC]) were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events. The complication rates were compared using chi square test and propensity score matching.

RESULTS

During 288 cycles in 109 patients, 85 complications (29.5%) were observed with similar rates for overall (PVC 31.3%, CVA 29.9%; p = 0.820) and grade I complications (21.3%, 25.4%; p = 0.470). More grade II complications were observed in the PVC group (10.0 vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). Grade III complications requiring invasive treatment were found only in the CVA group (3.0%; p = 0.120). Using propensity score matching, no differences in overall (p = 0.950), grade I (p = 0.540) and grades II/III (p = 0.590) complications were seen.

CONCLUSION

The peripheral and central administration of CBP has similar overall complication rates. Despite more grade II complications, the peripheral administration of CBP is a safe alternative for TGCT patients. Additionally, no severe grade III complications occurred.

The management of cytotoxic chemotherapy extravasation: a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the evidence underpinning contemporary practice

Management of cytotoxic drug extravasation remains contentious, with differing views on the most effective management strategy. With the increasing drive to provide effective, evidence-based healthcare, while ensuring the patient experience of the treatment provided plays a significant part in the development of clinical practice guidelines, the purpose of this literature review was to both critically analyse the quality of evidence that underpins contemporary practice and to determine if the patient experience is taken into account. A literature search was undertaken sourcing publications from the 1960s to July 2014 identifying all studies detailing strategies aimed at preventing the need for surgical debridement and all studies evaluating extravasation management from the patient's perspective. No conclusive evidence was found to suggest one clinical strategy as more effective than the other. No studies were identified that evaluated outcome from the patient's perspective. It is therefore suggested that outcomes-based research should underpin contemporary extravasation management guidelines to determine what the final outcome or 'end result' is and how this impacts on the patient and that the current lack of research into the patient experience of extravasation management is an area that needs to be addressed.

Managing cytotoxic chemotherapy extravasation: use of saline washout

Florence Nightingale Foundation scholar Karen Harrold received funding to support her PhD exploring the patient experience of saline washout as a management strategy for chemotherapy extravasation. She discusses the focus of her thesis, the completion of phase one and looks ahead to phase two.

Trabectedin: Supportive care strategies and safety profile

Trabectedin is an approved antineoplastic agent for the treatment of adult patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas or in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with relapsed platinum sensitive ovarian cancer. The mechanism of action is still not fully understood but many typical side effects seen with other chemotherapy drugs are less common, mild or unreported. Although this apparent favorable safety profile suggests a well-tolerated and manageable therapeutic option in the palliative care setting, trabectedin does have specific adverse side effects which can be hazardous for individual patients. The most commonly observed toxicities with trabectedin include neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, and increases in liver transaminases, anemia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, anorexia and diarrhea. However, for most patients the appropriate use of supportive care strategies can reduce or overcome these side effects. We present a concise review of the safety data of trabectedin with the corresponding overview of the supportive care strategies.

Port-a-Cath extravasation of vesicant cytotoxics: surgical options for a rare complication of cancer chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Although implantation of a central venous device such as a Port-a-Cath was initially considered safe, extravasation rates up to 4.7% have been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to propose a structured procedure for the management of extravasation of a cytotoxic treatment.

METHODS

A total of eight patients were evaluated after port extravasation of epirubicin (n = 3), platinum compounds (n = 3), paclitaxel (n = 1), or trabectedin (n = 1) into the subcutaneous space. Immediate explantation of the port was performed in combination with a "Subcutaneous Wash-Out Procedure" (SWOP). When removal of the port was delayed, débridement and flap coverage were performed as necessary. Epirubicin concentrations present in the samples obtained during surgical intervention were subsequently analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Patients were followed for at least six months and were examined for sequelae such as pain, induration, redness, and limited movement.

RESULTS

All three patients whose extravasation event was detected during chemotherapy administration benefited from SWOP with acceptable side effects (e.g., erythema). The analysis of epirubicin concentrations demonstrated the active removal of relevant amounts of the compound by wound rinsing. In contrast, late detection of extravasation led to major débridement and flap coverage in four out of five patients. A high body mass index (BMI) value was associated with all of the patients that experienced port extravasation.

CONCLUSION

Depending on when Port-a-Cath extravasations into subcutaneous tissue are detected, different treatments are appropriate. When extravasation is detected early, the SWOP was found to be beneficial.