Peripherally inserted central catheter performance in oncology patients: A retrospective analysis in an outpatient setting.

INTRODUCTION

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in outpatient oncology care, with nurses playing a central role in management. This study aimed to describe PICC use, maintenance, and complication patterns in this setting.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective study conducted at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori. Adult patients with a PICC and at least one outpatient visit for PICC management between 1 January 2024 and 1 January 2025 were eligible.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-one patients were included (mean age 58.5 years, SD ±16.4). Catheter removal was predominantly planned after treatment completion. Unplanned removals were uncommon and mainly related to complications, including suspected infection, occlusion, thrombosis, or accidental dislodgement. The estimated PICC survival probability was 95.1% at 6 months and 89.0% at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In outpatient oncology patients, PICCs showed sustained functionality, with removal mainly related to treatment completion, supporting continuity-based routine follow-up and tailored surveillance in clinically stable patients.