Male patients commencing FOLFOX / FOLFIRI chemotherapy in 2014, descriptive statistics

Abstract

Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer is an incurable illness; however the advent of chemotherapy has significantly improved survival and symptom control. FOLFOX and FOLFIRI are used at SPBOH as the standard of care for patients with metastatic disease. No statistical data is available on that cohort of patients; this study aims to establish a population data-set for patients on FOLFOX/FOLFIRI. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included all patients on FOLFOX and FOLFIRI in 2014. Only male patients were included, data was retrospectively extracted from the ward’s logbook and ISOFT clinical manager. Cycle 1, 6 and 12 dates were documented. Data was analysed using clinically reliable statistical tools, all reported p-values were statistically significant at <0.05. Results: From a total of 108 patients, 4 patients were excluded from the analysis. The average age of patients was 65.2 years. The average length of 12 cycles was 24.5 weeks. 19% of patients had cycles longer than 7 months whereas only 10% lasted more than 8 months on treatment. 41% of patients dropped out before completing the full course with a complication and mortality rate of 17%. Patients on FOLFIRI were more likely to have their chemotherapy changed and were also more likely to have received previous treatment. Conclusion: Although chemotherapy increases survival in metastatic colorectal cancer we have to appreciate that many patients do not proceed smoothly with their treatment. Many of those patients are middle aged independent individuals, after-all the physician must draw the line at the appropriate time and focus on palliative care rather than continuing ineffectively with chemotherapy.