O2-4-4Improvement quality of life in elderly metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy

Abstract Background Thailand has become an aging society that consequence with the increasing in incidence of the elderly diagnosed with cancer including colon cancer. Chemotherapy remains the most suitable treatment for metastatic patients. Chemotherapy treatment that was once delivered only in hospital is now administered at patients home that helping patients to live normal lives during receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimens are based on a 48 hours 5 FU infusion combined that need patients to be hospitalized, resulted to decrease QOL and increase cost. Aims Compares the QOL score, patient satisfaction and cost difference in treating ambulatory chemotherapy or AC patients compared with inpatient treatment, and comparing between the elderly patients and younger patients. Methods Observational cohort which enrolled 156 patients at the Ramathibodi hospital from Dec 2015 to Nov 2016. AC administered by the central venous access device. The regimen as FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, 5 FU were in the elastomeric infusion pump and administered at the patient home. Nurse coordinators followed up with the patients by phone. The FACT G and FACT C scale, satisfaction and cost of treatment questionnaire were collected at time of enrolment, 2 months and end of treatment. Results 156 patients are enrolled that 111 patients treated with AC. One third patients were aged patients. 134 returned the questionnaire that the response rate was 86 percent. Intention to treat analysis revealed significantly improved in social wellbeing and FACT G in AC group. Significant higher administration, service and overall satisfaction score in AC group. The AC reduced cost about 483 US dollars per cycle of chemotherapy. Conclusions Ambulatory chemotherapy improves QOL in elderly colorectal cancer patients to live normal lives and results to significantly improve in quality of life especially in social wellbeing, more satisfaction and reduced cost of chemotherapy treatment