Chemotherapy is one of the common treatment options for cancer, yet many patients hold negative impressions of traditional inpatient chemotherapy, worrying about frequent hospital stays, side effects, and disruptions to daily life. To reduce these limitations, in recent years, oncologists may recommend suitable patients to consider home chemotherapy. This approach allows patients to receive infusions without hospitalization, continue normal social activities, and engage in light exercise, thereby maintaining good quality of life and improving overall treatment comfort.
Many cancer patients resist traditional chemotherapy. Mr. Kwok (pseudonym), a pancreatic cancer patient in his forties and an avid sports enthusiast, needs to do moderate exercise daily to feel at ease. When he learned he required chemotherapy, his biggest concern was being unable to exercise during treatment. Fortunately, his doctor suggested home chemotherapy, enabling him to avoid hospitalization and still take brisk walks in the park while receiving treatment. Mr. Kwok expressed deep gratitude to his doctor for introducing this option, feeling that even as a cancer patient, he could continue his beloved activities—it was a ray of hope for him.
In fact, upon learning they need chemotherapy, patients often worry about side effects such as vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite, leading to strong resistance. This resistance intensifies when they discover the entire course requires hospitalization. Clinical Oncologist Dr. Lee Wai-man, Sarah, noted that many patients assume chemotherapy must be done in hospital, but some chemotherapy drugs are actually quite stable and can be safely administered at home. The drugs used for home chemotherapy are the same as those used in traditional chemotherapy; they are not new drugs, but rather the location of administration has simply changed from hospital to home. Cancers suitable for home chemotherapy mainly include gastrointestinal cancers such as gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, particularly those using more stable drugs like 5-FU.
Simple Process of Home Chemotherapy
The home chemotherapy process is divided into two parts. First, the less stable chemotherapy drugs are infused at a day centre for approximately four to five hours. After completion, the doctor places the more stable drugs into an infusion bottle, allowing the patient to take it home for the remaining approximately 46 to 48 hours of infusion. Two days later, the patient needs to return to the hospital to have the infusion bottle removed. The entire infusion bottle requires no battery operation. After the drug is injected, it forms a spherical shape, and the material of the bottle generates pressure to slowly push the medication forward. Each infusion line has a flow restrictor to ensure the drug enters the body at a controlled rate and volume.
Unlike hospital chemotherapy, patients undergoing home chemotherapy need to have a central venous catheter installed in the chest beforehand by a surgeon. The procedure takes only about 30 minutes to one hour, with the catheter connecting directly to the vein. Although hospital chemotherapy commonly uses saline drips, home chemotherapy switches to a central venous catheter for convenience.
Dr. Lee Wai-man emphasised that the greatest advantage of home chemotherapy is allowing patients to spend more time with their families. Cancer patients’ time is extremely precious. Moving the treatment to home can increase opportunities to be with family and friends. Patients also do not need to stay confined indoors; they can place the infusion bottle in a portable bag and go out for meals or walks, continuing to maintain their original quality of life. This helps enhance psychological well-being and makes it easier to integrate into the entire treatment process.
For patients in public hospitals, home chemotherapy can further prevent treatment delays caused by waiting for hospital beds, allowing treatment schedules to be more closely aligned. At the same time, it helps reduce the burden on bed occupancy in the public healthcare system. In addition, receiving chemotherapy at home can lower the risk of infections that may be encountered in the hospital environment.
Who is Suitable for Home Chemotherapy? What Precautions Should Be Taken?
Not all patients are suitable for home chemotherapy. Dr. Lee Wai-man stated that only patients with stable conditions who can understand and follow the doctor’s instructions are appropriate. Elderly patients or those in very weak physical condition may not be suitable for home administration due to higher risks of side effects. Patients need to monitor whether the infusion bottle is operating normally and must immediately notify the doctor if there is any problem with the catheter.
During home chemotherapy, patients can still go out for meals, take walks, or engage in light exercise. However, they must take care to avoid direct sunlight on the infusion bottle or exposure to high temperatures, and it is recommended to cover it with clothing. Regarding showering, as long as direct rinsing of the central venous catheter site is avoided, patients can bathe daily. When sleeping, they only need to place the entire infusion bottle beside the bed. Even with minor collisions or pressure, it will not break. Dr. Lee recommends that patients check the volume of the infusion bottle every 12 to 18 hours to confirm that the medication is being infused normally, as the ball gradually shrinks as the drug flows into the body.
Many patients worry that home chemotherapy involves too many precautions. However, Dr. Lee Wai-man shared that quite a number of patients find it easy to get the hang of after trying, and some even prefer to wait for the clinic to open to continue home chemotherapy rather than return to hospital. For patients attempting it for the first time, doctors may suggest completing the first cycle in hospital so they can familiarise themselves with the process before shifting subsequent treatments home.
Although cancer treatment is full of challenges, through home chemotherapy, patients can feel more comfortable and at ease during the course. Dr. Lee Wai-man Sarah, reminds that every patient’s condition is different. If there are any questions, they should discuss them in detail with the attending doctor.
More information about chemotherapy: Chemotherapy Plans & Cancer Care Team | OncoCare
Frequently Asked Questions Q&A
Q1: Why do many patients resist traditional inpatient chemotherapy?
A: Patients often worry about side effects such as vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The need for prolonged hospitalization further restricts daily life and social activities.
Q2: Are the drugs used in home chemotherapy the same as hospital chemotherapy?
A: Yes, the drugs are identical to those used in traditional chemotherapy. No new medications are involved; only the infusion location changes to home.
Q3: Which cancers are more suitable for home chemotherapy?
A: It is mainly suitable for gastrointestinal cancers such as gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, using more stable drugs like 5-FU.
Q4: What device needs to be installed for home chemotherapy?
A: Patients require a central venous catheter placed in the chest by a surgeon. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to one hour and connects directly to the vein.
Q5: Can patients go out and exercise during home chemotherapy?
A: Yes. Patients can carry the infusion bottle in a portable bag and go out for meals, walks, or light exercise, provided the bottle is protected from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Q6: What are the main benefits of home chemotherapy?
A: It enhances treatment comfort, allows more family time, reduces hospital infection risks, maintains quality of life, and helps ease bed pressure in public hospitals.
Q7: What should patients do if they have concerns?
A: Patients in need may consult their attending clinical oncologist to determine if home chemotherapy is suitable for their condition. Chemotherapy no longer needs to mean full hospitalization. With home chemotherapy, suitable cancer patients can enjoy a more normal life during treatment and maintain physical and mental balance. It is hoped that this sharing provides positive reference for patients facing chemotherapy. Patients are encouraged to discuss with their doctors the most appropriate treatment plan for themselves.
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