Improving 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Continuous Infusion Comfort With a New Corset Design in People Affected by Cancer

Overview

This feasibility randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of a newly designed supportive corset for patients receiving continuous 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion therapy. The corset is intended to stabilize the infusion pump and serum set, reduce physical and psychological discomfort, and improve overall quality of life. Forty colorectal cancer patients were randomized into two groups: an intervention group using the corset and a control group receiving standard care. Outcomes include infusion-related experiences (measured by Visual Analog Scale) and quality of life (assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30).

Continuous infusion of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) via portable pumps is a common treatment modality for colorectal cancer, offering clinical benefits such as stable plasma drug levels and improved tolerability. However, patients often experience physical discomfort, restricted mobility, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and aesthetic concerns related to the infusion pump. Technical issues such as unstable connections and medication flow interruptions may further compromise treatment safety. To address these challenges, this study introduces a newly designed supportive corset aimed at stabilizing the infusion pump and serum set during continuous 5-FU therapy. The corset is designed to enhance comfort, reduce movement-related anxiety, and improve sleep quality and overall treatment experience. This feasibility trial enrolled 40 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from an outpatient chemotherapy unit in Türkiye. Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group received the corset in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard care only. Data were collected at baseline and after four weeks using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for infusion-related experiences and the EORTC QLQ-C30 for quality of life. The primary outcomes include changes in physical restrictions, insomnia, anxiety during movement, aesthetic concerns, and overall quality of life. Secondary outcomes include patient satisfaction with the corset. The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2023-19-09) and conducted in accordance with ethical standards. Findings will inform the feasibility and potential integration of supportive physical devices into cancer care protocols.