Administration of Cisplatin-Containing Regimens on an Outpatient Basis

ABSTRACT Background Although cisplatin (P)-containing regimens are standard treatments for various kinds of cancers, many patients receive these regimens as in patients because of their adverse effects in Japan. We have started to give P-containing regimens on an outpatient basis since March 2011. Methods Patients who received P-containing regimens as outpatients are investigated retrospectively. All patients were given P-containing regimens as in-patients with adequate hydration during the first course, then they received the consecutive 3–5 courses of chemotherapies as outpatients if they do not suffer from nausea and vomiting. Patients required 1000–2000 ml of drinking water to compensate for hydration. Results Between May 2011 and January 2012, 27 patients received 92 courses of P-containing chemotherapies in our hospital. Among them, 9 patients received 28 courses of chemotherapies on an outpatients basis. P could be administered at the standard dose of 60–80 mg m2 body surface area. There was no statistical significance between the values of creatinine before and after chemotherapies. Conclusion P-containing regimens could be administered safely in patients who did not suffer from nausea and vomiting during the first course of chemotherapy. Drinking water may be important as a way of avoiding renal dysfunction when we give P to patients on an outpatient basis.