AZ Herentals Launches At-Home Cancer Treatment Service

Patients undergoing cancer treatment at AZ Herentals hospital in Belgium can now receive chemotherapy at home, thanks to a new service launched in collaboration with Wit-Gele Kruis. This initiative aims to enhance patient comfort and minimize the need for frequent hospital visits. AZ Herentals is the first hospital in the Kempen region to offer this service, which is currently limited but has plans for future expansion.

Dr. Greet Bries, who is leading the pilot project, explained that not all cancer drugs are suitable for home administration, as determined by the National Institute for Sickness and Disability Insurance. Currently, the service primarily focuses on injectable treatments for hematological conditions, such as certain types of blood cancers. So far, two patients have received their treatment at home, with two more scheduled for the following week.

Initial patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients express enthusiasm for receiving treatment in the familiar comfort of their homes, avoiding the time-consuming visits to the day hospital. For many, treatments are weekly or bi-weekly, posing a significant burden on patients and their families. Willy Turelinckx, one of the first patients to receive home treatment, reported a smooth experience with the visiting nurse and expressed gratitude for avoiding daily hospital trips.

Dr. Bries also highlighted the benefits for hospital staff. With advancements in therapies allowing patients to remain in treatment longer, day hospitals face increasing pressure. By shifting some treatments to home care, AZ Herentals aims to alleviate this pressure. The hospital also hopes the project will prove economically beneficial for the healthcare system, which is currently under strain.

While AZ Herentals is the sole provider of at-home cancer treatment in the Kempen region, there is ambition among other hospitals to join the initiative. The hospital plans to share its experiences and knowledge to facilitate broader adoption. Future expansion of therapies, potentially including treatments for breast, lung, and colon cancers, is also envisioned, though this will require time and further development.