VIP-Epi study version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Volumetric Infusion Pump Administration of Epirubicin Chemotherapy
IRAS ID
272057
Contact name
Rosie Roberts
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Velindre University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
An observational study of chemotherapy induced phlebitis (CIP) following administration of epirubicin chemotherapy using a volumetric infusion pump:
Intravenous epirubicin chemotherapy which is a key element of treatment for breast cancer is known to have the potential to cause some irritation as it is injected into the vein leading to phlebitis (inflammation of the vein). However, there is little investigating the technique used to administer epirubicin and whether this influences the development of CIP. An observational study was undertaken at Velindre Cancer Centre to identify if variations in how the injections were given influenced the development of CIP in breast cancer patients receiving epirubicin by injection into a vein in the hand or arm. During this study epirubicin was given by a nurse manually injecting into the tubing of a free running infusion of saline resulting a considerable variation in the speed of administration. In line with previous local audits approximately 20% of patients in this study experienced significant grade 3 or 4 symptoms of phlebitis.
Since the observational study was undertaken Velindre has introduced the practice of using volumetric infusion pumps to administer chemotherapy injections. Anecdotally other UK Cancer Centres administering epirubicin using this method have reported that they feel it has improved the patients’ experience by reducing pain during administration and reducing the rates of phlebitis, however no studies have been carried out to confirm this.
The VIP-Epi study aims to identify if giving epirubicin injections using an infusion pump has any effect on the rates of CIP and patient reported pain when compared to the results of the previous study. A research nurse will observe and record details of the administration of epirubicin chemotherapy at Velindre Cancer Centre. Symptoms of CIP will be graded by the research nurse and by participants using a questionnaire.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0104
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion