Abstract

CHAMOMILLA RECOMMENDED USE AS TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF FLEBITE IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER: LITERATURE REVIEW

Fábio Alexandre Marucci, Ana Laura Remédio Zeni Beretta* and Melina Marie Yasuoka

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of cancer has been increasing annually, representing the second cause of death in Brazil and world. According to World Health Organization, cancer is an important public health issue in both developed and developing countries, where it is expected in next decades an impact on the population about 80% of more than 20 million new cases at 2025. Chemotherapy is one of the treatment modalities, whose eliminate malignant cells, acting in a systemic way, and the drugs act indiscriminately in the patient's cells, producing very unpleasant and adverse effects. Phlebitis may be considered a temporary or permanent limiting factor for the continuity of treatment in patients with cancer. Depending on extent of inflammatory process at the venipuncture site, the vascular endothelium suffers irreversible lesions, such as phlebosclerosis, and then this vein is impossible to be used for new punctures. The prevention of phlebitis, the control of evolution after occurrence and the reversal of the inflammatory signs are necessary, especially in patients who have a highly sensitized veins. Phytotherapics have been used as an alternative way to treat phlebitis. Chamomilla recutita has been used in ointment, gels or compresses due to potential anti-inflammatory effect. The present literature review aimed to collect data on the treatment of phlebitis with Chamomilla recutita in cancer patients, and suggests and to suggest its use.

Keywords: Cancer. Chemotherapy. Phlebitis. Chamomilla recutita.