A rapid rituximab infusion pilot study

Statham, Paula RGN Bsc(Hons)
Demosthenous, Catherine RGN, Dip
Cheesman, Simon MRPharmS
Keane, Helen RGN, Dip

Paula Statham RGN Bsc(Hons), is a nurse manager for the ambulatory cancer care unit
Catherine Demosthenous RGN, Dip, is a nurse manager for the ambulatory cancer care unit
Simon Cheesman MRPharmS, is a haematology pharmacist
Helen Keane RGN, Dip, is a day care nurse manager
All authors are employed at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London

These key words are based on the subject headings from the British Nursing Index. This article has been subject to double-blind review

Cancer Nursing Practice 5(6):p 35-38, July 2006.

Given the extended license for rituximab (MabThera) and the anticipated increase in demand for its use in chemotherapy units, a pilot study investigating its rapid infusion was carried out in the haematology unit of a London cancer centre. The study revealed that 90 minute rapid rituximab infusions may be administered safely during second and subsequent treatments to eligible patients. This finding may have significant implications for day care resources, appointment scheduling and patient satisfaction, and therefore warrants further investigation