Extravasation of cytotoxic chemotherapy from peripheral veins

Cytotoxic chemotherapy can cause local reactions with varying degrees of severity following extravasation.Today, intravenous cannulation and administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy are frequently performed by nurses.Therefore, measures which promote the prevention of extravasation are explored in this paper and suggestions for clinical practice are made.We examine extravasation-related literature, and compare the findings from both animal and human studies.Vesicants, irritants and flare reactions are defined, and management options for each are debated. Finally, in the light of experience and available evidence, a new, uncomplicated management protocol is proposed