Elsevier

Annals of Oncology

Volume 20, Issue 9, September 2009, Pages 1555-1559
Annals of Oncology

original articles
supportive care and palliative care
Use of chemotherapy at end of life in oncology patients

https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdp027Get rights and content
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Abstract

Background

Appropriately timed cessation of chemotherapy is integral to patient's quality of life. We evaluate the use of and associated factors with chemotherapy at the end of life.

Methods

A review of deceased oncology patients treated with palliative intent from April 2005 over 2 years at two cancer centres was carried out. Chi-square tests of patient demographics, cancer and chemotherapy variables were carried out to determine associations with commencing chemotherapy and continuation within 2 and 4 weeks of death. Multivariate analyses were carried out with significant factors to determine their independent effect.

Results

Seven hundred and forty-seven patients died during this period; median age 67 years (range 20–96); female 44%. Three hundred and ninety-eight (53%) received chemotherapy: 18% and 8% within 4 and 2 weeks of death, respectively. Younger age (P < 0.01), cancer type (P < 0.01) and chemosensitivity of the tumour (P < 0.01) were predictors for commencing chemotherapy in multivariate analysis. Treating doctor predicted for chemotherapy in the 4 weeks before death (<0.05), but none of the variables predicted for chemotherapy in the last 2 weeks of life.

Conclusions

: Younger age, tumour type and chemosensitivity are important predictors of patients receiving palliative chemotherapy. Individual clinician was the only predictor for continuing chemotherapy in the last 4 weeks of life.

Keywords

end of life
palliative chemotherapy
Quality Oncology Practice Initiative

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