Heparin or M-EDTA in Preventing Catheter-Related Infections and Blockages in Patients at High Risk for a Catheter-Related Infection

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* At high risk of acquiring a catheter infection, as evidenced by any of the following:

  * Diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or melanoma-sarcoma
  * Undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  * Receiving aldesleukin
  * Pediatric cancer patients
* New (≤ 10 days old) functioning externalized tunneled or nontunneled central venous catheter (CVC), such as a Hickman/Broviac or Hohn catheter, or peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) utilized for infusion of chemotherapy, blood and blood products, or other intermittent infusions

  * No occluded CVC
  * No existing local or systemic catheter infection

    * More than 3 days since removal of a prior CVC due to an infection
  * No externalized CVC that is projected to remain in place for \< 2 weeks
  * No infusion ports or Groshong catheters
  * No coated CVC impregnated with an antimicrobial or antiseptic agent

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

* Life expectancy ≥ 3 months
* No history of allergy to any tetracycline
* No contraindication to flush solution dwell time of ≥ 4 hours
* No hypocalcemia while receiving calcium supplementation through the catheter
* Not pregnant or nursing
* Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

* See Disease Characteristics