Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

An audit of medical oncology patients who died within 30 days of systemic anticancer therapy   (#231)

Millicent Chapman 1 , Ortis Estacio 1 , Oliver Nilsen 1 , Umbreen Hafeez 1 2 3 4 , Belinda Yeo 1 4 , Paul Viray 1
  1. Austin Health , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  2. Melbourne University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
  3. Latrobe University, Melbourne , Victoria, Australia
  4. Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne , Victoria, Australia

Aims  

The quantity and type of systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) has increased over recent years, leading to augmented patient survival and quality of life. However, SACT near end of life can contribute to significant patient morbidity and mortality. According to previous studies, the percent of patients receiving SACT within 30 days of death compared to all oncology deaths is reportedly between 8-32%.1 This study was undertaken to evaluate the patient characteristics and types of SACT used in oncology patients who die within 30 days of receiving SACT and identify factors associated with its use in patients close to the end of life. 

Methods  

A retrospective audit review of medical records was conducted on medical oncology patients treated at tertiary hospital who died within 30 days of receiving intravenous SACT, between 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. Patient information will be collected related to demographics, cancer type, treatment type and intent, mortality data. Logistic regression analyses will be used to identify potential risk factors associated with death potentially from treatment complications.  

Results  

Two thousand four hundred and nineteen patients with cancer were identified to have died as an inpatient within the 5 years. Of these 281(11.6%) have been screened as having intravenous SACT within 30 days of death. Further analyses on the 281 patients to follow.  

Conclusions  

Conclusions to follow prior to COSA ASM in November 2024 once all analysis is completed. 

  1. 1. Geyer T, Le N, Groissenberger I, Jutz F, Tschurlovich L, Kreye G. Systemic anticancer treatment near the end of life: a narrative literature review. Curr Treat Options in Oncol. 2023 Oct;24(10):1328-50.