Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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There is convincing evidence from randomized clinical trials that the use of 5-HT3 antagonists has brought about a substantial improvement in the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, no data exist to indicate how this new research evidence can be applied to the individual patient. ⋯ Powerful barriers exist between the evidence provided by sound research and clinical practice, and this issue hampers progress toward the optimal use of antiemetic drugs.
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A few data are available from analyses of the complications and costs of central venous access ports for chemotherapy. This prospective study deals with the complications and global costs of central venous ports connected to a Groshong catheter for deliverance of long-term chemotherapy. ⋯ This study represents the largest published series of patients with totally implantable access ports connected to a Groshong catheter. We have shown that US$2,000 are sufficient to cover six months of chemotherapy in one patient using the most expensive commercially available implantable port. According to the present study, totally implantable access ports connected to a Groshong catheter are associated with high purchase and insertion costs, a low complication rate and low maintenance costs. These data support their increasing use in current oncologic medical practice.