The Oncologist, Vol. 13, No. 3, 284-288, March 2008; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0191 © 2008 AlphaMed Press
Managing Vesicant ExtravasationsOncology Nursing Consultant, River Ridge, Louisiana, USA Key Words. Vesicant extravasation • Vesicant extravasation treatment • Tissue necrosis Correspondence: Lisa Schulmeister, R.N., M.N., A.P.R.N.-B.C., O.C.N.®, F.A.A.N., 282 Orchard Road, River Ridge, Louisiana 70123, USA. Telephone: 504-739-9462; Fax: 504-738-2087; e-mail: LisaSchulmeister{at}hotmail.com Disclosure: L.S. has acted as a consultant to TopoTarget USA (manufacturer of TotectTM, which is mentioned in this article), and has received an honorarium from Baxter (manufacturer of Hylenex®, which is mentioned in this article) for participation in a focus group. No other potential conflicts of interest were reported by the author, planners, reviewers, or staff managers of this article.
Extravasation is an unusual but potentially severe complication of vesicant chemotherapy administration. Some extravasation injuries prompt litigation and the oncologist's actions, or lack of action, are scrutinized in the courtroom. This article presents advice and recommendations for treating patients who receive vesicants and includes a discussion of FDA-approved vesicant extravasation treatments and antidotes.
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