[Safety analysis of ambulatory chemotherapy in lung cancer].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Ambulatory chemotherapy has now been a popular way of treatment in developed countries, for its less medical costs and incidence of adverse events. The aim of this study is to estimate the feasibility and safety of ambulatory chemotherapy in lung cancer in Shanghai chest hospital. METHODS Medical data including performance status, cycles of chemotherapy, pathologic type, adverse events in hospital and adverse events after discharge from hospital. RESULTS We estimated a total of 1 573 lung cancer patients admitted in Shanghai chest hospital, during October 2008 to April 2009, including 416 patients treated in the way of ambulatory chemotherapy, 1 157 patients treated in the routine way. Rate of grade III/IV gastrointestinal toxicity was fewer in the ambulatory chemotherapy group (21.88%) than routine chemotherapy group (P < 0.01); meanwhile, rate of leukopenia was higher in the ambulatory chemotherapy group (49.28%) than routine chemotherapy group (35.0%)(P < 0.01). Days of hospitalization and medical costs were less in the ambulatory chemotherapy group (4.48 d vs 14.04 d, 6 911.32 vs 14 623.59, all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Ambulatory chemotherapy is a favorable way to promote.