Feasibility of an Intravenous Home Chemotherapy Intervention With Low-Dose Cytarabine Administered by Parents (INTACTatHome)

BACKGROUND: Intravenous home chemotherapy (IHC) can reduce the frequency of hospital visits and positively affect the child's and the family's everyday life. Knowledge about IHC is needed to enhance evidence-based provision and implementation. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an IHC intervention.

PROCEDURE: Single-arm feasibility study including children aged 1-17 years diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma and their parents. The intervention consisted of an education program designed to enable parents to administer intravenous low-dose cytarabine at home. Feasibility outcomes were families' demand for the intervention, acceptability (satisfaction, preference, and caregiver demand), and safety. Data were collected from medical records, clinical registrations, and questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Of the 17 children meeting the key inclusion criteria (mean age 5.1, range 2-15), 15 were enrolled. These children received a total of 175 low-dose cytarabine administrations at home, constituting 56% of the planned doses. The continued home administration of cytarabine suggests sustained acceptability. Parents expressed high satisfaction with home administration and indicated a preference for it in future treatments. Caregiver demand scores showed no indication of increased caregiver demand during the IHC intervention. No severe adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The IHC intervention is a feasible, acceptable, and safe option in this specific context, allowing children to receive intravenous chemotherapy administered by their parent in the comfort of their home.