From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer only as an intravenous infusion (2. 1). Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus (2.1). RITUXAN should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe infusion-related reactions that can be fatal if they occur. (2.1).
The administration of Rituxan (rituximab) requires an intravenous infusion, but it does not explicitly state that a port is necessary for its administration. However, the use of a port is a common practice for administering intravenous drugs, especially for patients who require frequent or long-term infusions.
- Intravenous infusion is required for Rituxan administration.
- A port may be used for convenience and to minimize discomfort, but it is not explicitly required by the FDA label. Based on the information provided in the FDA label for Rituxan 1, it does not directly address the necessity of a port for bendamustine and Rituxan administration.
From the Research
A port is generally not required for bendamustine and rituximab (Rituxan) administration, but it may be recommended in some cases. These medications can typically be given through a standard peripheral IV line. However, a port or central line may be suggested if:
- The patient has difficult venous access
- Multiple cycles of treatment are planned
- There's concern about potential vein irritation from repeated infusions Bendamustine is usually given over 30-60 minutes, while rituximab infusions can take several hours, especially for the first dose. Both drugs can cause infusion reactions, so careful monitoring is necessary 2. If a port is used, it should be accessed using sterile technique before each infusion. The port can also be used for blood draws and other IV medications if needed during treatment. The decision to use a port should be made on an individual basis, considering the patient's overall treatment plan, vein health, and personal preferences. Discuss the options with your healthcare team to determine the best approach for your specific situation. Some studies have shown that the BR regimen is effective and well-tolerated, with a high overall response rate and manageable toxicities 3. However, the use of a port is not directly addressed in these studies, and the decision to use one should be based on individual patient needs and circumstances. In general, the use of a port can help to reduce the risk of vein irritation and make it easier to administer multiple cycles of treatment, but it is not necessary for all patients receiving bendamustine and rituximab. The most recent study from 2021 3 supports the use of BR regimen as a salvage treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, but does not provide specific guidance on the use of ports. Therefore, the decision to use a port should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances.