Hospital-based palliative care referrals: determinants in older adults with cancer

OBJECTIVES

Early palliative care improves the quality of life of older patients with cancer. This work aimed to analyse the effect of sociodemographic, geriatric, and tumour-related determinants on hospital-based palliative care (HPC) referral in older patients with cancer, taking into account competing risk of death.

METHODS

Older adults with diagnosed cancer from 2014 to 2018 according to the general cancer registry of Gironde (French department) were identified in three population-based cohorts on ageing (PAQUID, 3C - Three City, AMI). Cause-specific Cox models focused on 10 usual determinants in geriatric oncology and palliative care: age, gender, living alone, place of residency, tumour prognosis, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental-ADL (IADL) limitations, cognitive impairment, depressive disorders, and polypharmacy.

RESULTS

131 patients with incident cancer (mean age: 86.2 years, men: 62.6%, poor cancer prognosis: 32.8%) were included, HPC occurring for 26 of them. Unfavourable cancer prognosis was a key determinant for HPC referral (HR 7.02, 95% CI 2.86 to 17.23). An altered IADL score was associated with precocious (first year) referral (HR 3.21, 95% CI 1.20 to 8.64, respectively). Women had a higher rate immediately (first week) after diagnosis (HR 8.64, 95% CI 1.27 to 87.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer prognosis, functional decline and gender are independent factors of HPC referral in older patients with cancer. These findings may help for a better anticipation of the healthcare pathway.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on sarcoma management in France: a 2019 and 2020 comparison

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was an unprecedented shock to the healthcare systems, and its consequences on managing rare cancers are unknown. We investigated COVID-19's impact on the activity of sarcoma-labeled networks by comparing key indicators in 2019-2020 (before and during the pandemic, respectively).

Methods

We compared the incidence of limb and trunk soft tissue sarcomas, surgery rate, surgery center, surgery quality, and surgery delays nationally and in various regions, focusing on the three most severely affected regions.

Findings

In this study, sarcoma incidence did not decrease, and the tumor and patient characteristics were similar in both years. The number of patients who underwent surgery in the labeled centers increased significantly (63% versus 57%, p = 0.015), the rate of R0 resection increased (55% versus 47%, p = 0.004), and the rate of re-excision decreased (12% versus 21%, p < 0.0001). In the univariate analysis, the time to surgery was similar in both years. Cox regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with a longer time to surgery were age > 70 years (p = 0.003), retroperitoneal location (p > 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), deep tumors (p < 0.001), and regions (p < 0.001). However, we have observed an increase in the time before surgery in the regions most stroked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interpretation

The model of the labeled center network for managing rare tumors was resilient. Paradoxically, the quality indicators improved during the pandemic due to the direct referral of patients with sarcomas to the labeled centers.

Summary

This study shows that a nationwide network organization has made it possible to maintain care for these rare tumors during the pandemic.

Survival after breast cancer according to participation in organised or opportunistic screening and deprivation

BACKGROUND

Many studies have investigated the survival of women by comparing those who participated in organised screening with those who did not. However, among those who do not participate in organised screening, some women undergo opportunistic screening, but these women remain difficult to identify, particularly in France. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify opportunistic screening, and then to study survival after breast cancer separately according to participation in organised, opportunistic or no screening, and taking into account sociodemographic inequalities.

METHODS

The study population was identified from 3 French cancer registries, whose data was crossed with the screening coordination centers and the National Health Data System to identify the different type of screening. The European Deprivation Index was used to define the level of deprivation. We estimated net survival using the Pohar-Perme method.

RESULTS

The 5-year net survival probabilities were higher for women who attended organised screening (97.0 %) than for women with opportunistic screening (94.1 %) or non-attenders (78.1 %). According to the level of deprivation, a significant difference was observed between the groups of women screened by organised and opportunistic screening, compared to the non-attenders.

CONCLUSION

The identification of opportunistic screening is an important element in identifying women who do not screening. It enables to us to see that women who do not attend any screening have a much higher loss-of-opportunity in terms of survival than those who participate in organised or opportunistic screening, and even more so in the most deprived areas.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer: Safety and efficacy of reverse sequence compared to standard technique?

BACKGROUND

The reverse sequence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative radiotherapy, mastectomy then immediate breast reconstruction is currently proposed for selected patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Few studies have compared it to the standard sequence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiotherapy with or without differed reconstruction. Our study compares overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survivals of breast cancer patients treated with reverse sequence compared to the standard technique.

METHODS

In this retrospective, single center study at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in France, patients were included if: female, age <65y, had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiotherapy, and were M0. Outcomes for patients treated by reverse sequence (RS) are compared to those for patients treated by standard sequence (ST). Data was collected from medical records.

RESULTS

From January 2009 to April 2018, 222 eligible patients were treated, 46 by RS and 176 by ST. Mean follow-up was 61.7 months. Five-year OS and RFS did not differ between groups. 5-yr OS: 88.4% 95%CI [74.1-95.0] for RS and 81.5% 95%CI [74.0-87.0] for ST (P = 0.4412); 5-yr RFS: 78.3% 95%CI [61.9-88.3] for RS and 70.1% 95%CI [62.2-76.7] for ST (P = 0.3003). Overall treatment time was significantly shorter in the RS group, and the rate of severe surgical complications did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For locally advanced breast cancer patients with an indication for radiation therapy the reverse sequence offers similar safety and efficacy results as the standard treatment while allowing immediate breast reconstruction. However, careful patient selection is necessary, particularly with regard to preoperative lymph node invasion.

Molecular profiling of advanced soft-tissue sarcomas: the MULTISARC randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogeneous group of rare tumors including more than 70 different histological subtypes. High throughput molecular analysis (next generation sequencing exome [NGS]) is a unique opportunity to identify driver mutations that can change the usual one-size-fits-all treatment paradigm to a patient-driven therapeutic strategy. The primary objective of the MULTISARC trial is to assess whether NGS can be conducted for a large proportion of metastatic STS participants within a reasonable time, and, secondarily to determine whether a NGS-guided therapeutic strategy improves participant's outcome.

METHODS

This is a randomized, multicentre, phase II/III trial inspired by the design of umbrella and biomarker-driven trials. The setting plans up to 17 investigational centres across France and the recruitment of 960 participants. Participants aged at least 18 years, with unresectable locally advanced and/or metastatic STS confirmed by the French sarcoma pathological reference network, are randomized according to 1:1 allocation ratio between the experimental arm "NGS" and the standard "No NGS". NGS will be considered feasible if (i) NGS results are available and interpretable, and (ii) a report of exome sequencing including a clinical recommendation from a multidisciplinary tumor board is provided to investigators within 7 weeks from reception of the samples on the biopathological platform. A feasibility rate of more than 70% is expected (null hypothesis: 70% versus alternative hypothesis: 80%). In terms of care, participants randomized in "No NGS" arm and who fail treatment will be able to switch to the NGS arm at the request of the investigator.

DISCUSSION

The MULTISARC trial is a prospective study designed to provide high-level evidence to support the implementation of NGS in routine clinical practice for advanced STS participants, on a large scale.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrial.gov NCT03784014 .

Determinants of the access to remote specialised services provided by national sarcoma reference centres

Background

Spatial inequalities in cancer management have been evidenced by studies reporting lower quality of care or/and lower survival for patients living in remote or socially deprived areas. NETSARC+ is a national reference network implemented to improve the outcome of sarcoma patients in France since 2010, providing remote access to specialized diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Tumour Board (MTB). The IGéAS research program aims to assess the potential of this innovative organization, with remote management of cancers including rare tumours, to go through geographical barriers usually impeding the optimal management of cancer patients.

Methods

Using the nationwide NETSARC+ databases, the individual, clinical and geographical determinants of the access to sarcoma-specialized diagnosis and MTB were analysed. The IGéAS cohort (n = 20,590) includes all patients living in France with first sarcoma diagnosis between 2011 and 2014. Early access was defined as specialised review performed before 30 days of sampling and as first sarcoma MTB discussion performed before the first surgery.

Results

Some clinical populations are at highest risk of initial management without access to sarcoma specialized services, such as patients with non-GIST visceral sarcoma for diagnosis [OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.78 to 2.15] and MTB discussion [OR 3.56, 95% CI 3.16 to 4.01]. Social deprivation of the municipality is not associated with early access on NETSARC+ remote services. The quintile of patients furthest away from reference centres have lower chances of early access to specialized diagnosis [OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.31] and MTB discussion [OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.40] but this influence of the distance is slight in comparison with clinical factors and previous studies on the access to cancer-specialized facilities.

Conclusions

In the context of national organization driven by reference network, distance to reference centres slightly alters the early access to sarcoma specialized services and social deprivation has no impact on it. The reference networks’ organization, designed to improve the access to specialized services and the quality of cancer management, can be considered as an interesting device to reduce social and spatial inequalities in cancer management. The potential of this organization must be confirmed by further studies, including survival analysis.

Palliative care referral in cancer patients with regard to initial cancer prognosis: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

More than half of cancer patients require palliative care; however, inequality in access and late referral in the illness trajectory are major issues. This study assessed the cumulative incidence of first hospital-based palliative care (HPC) referral, as well as the influence of patient-, tumor-, and care-related factors.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective population-based study.

METHODS

The study included patients from the 2014 population-based cancer registry of Gironde, France. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, coding for palliative care identified HPC referrals from 2014 to 2018. The study included 8424 patients. Analyses considered the competing risk of death and were stratified by initial cancer prognosis (favorable vs unfavorable [if metastatic or progressive cancer]).

RESULTS

The 4-year incidence of HPC was 16.7% (95% confidence interval, 16.6-16.8). Lung cancer led to more referrals, whereas breast, colorectal, and prostatic locations were associated to less frequent HPC compared with other solid tumors. Favorable prognosis central nervous system tumors and unfavorable prognosis hematological malignancies also showed less HPC. The incidence of HPC was higher in tertiary centers, particularly for older patients. In the favorable prognosis subgroup, older and non-deprived patients received more HPC. In the unfavorable prognosis subgroup, the incidence of HPC was lower in patients who lived in rural areas than those who lived in urban areas.

CONCLUSIONS

One-sixth of cancer patients require HPC. Some factors influencing referral depend on the initial cancer prognosis. Our findings support actions to improve accessibility, especially for deprived patients, people living in rural areas, those with hematological malignancies, and those treated outside tertiary centers. In addition, consideration of age as factor of HPC may allow for improved design of the referral system.

Management of colon cancer patients: A comprehensive analysis of the absence of multidisciplinary team meetings in two French departments

BACKGROUND

The care management of colorectal cancers has evolved, particularly since the implementation of multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTm). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the non-presentation of colon cancer patients in MDTm (no-MDTm) and to assess the association between no-MDTm and the diagnostic and therapeutic care management, in two areas in France, in 2010.

METHODS

Patients over 18 years diagnosed for invasive colon cancer in Gironde and Tarn during 2010 were included from the cancer registries of these two departments. We used five indicators to evaluate the care management of colon cancer patients (about diagnosis, treatment and selection of patients for chemotherapy).

RESULTS

No-MDTm patients were more likely to die early after diagnosis (OR=2.94, 95% CI=[1.52-5.66]). Elderly patients and those living in more disadvantaged areas were less often presented in MDTm (OR_≥85years=2.10, 95% CI=[1.06-4.18]; OR_EDIQ4-Q5=1.96, 95% CI=[1.23-3.14]). After adjusting for patient-related variables (age, comorbidities, deprivation) and tumor (stage at diagnosis), we found that thoracic CT scan was less often performed among no-MDTm patients (OR=0.40, 95% CI=[0.24-0.65]). There was no association between the absence of MDTm and the therapeutic care management indicators.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, therapeutic care management was not associated with the absence of MDTm but with patient and tumor characteristics, including age, comorbidities and level of deprivation, that influence the non-presentation in MDTm.

Management and outcome of male metastatic breast cancer in the national multicenter observational research program Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME)

Background and Aims:

Because of its low prevalence, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in males is managed based on clinical experience with women. Using a real-life database, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of male MBC characteristics, management and outcome.

Methods:

The Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics Data Platform collected data for all men and women ⩾18 years with MBC in 18 participating French Comprehensive Cancer Centers from January 2008 to November 2016. Demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics were retrieved, as was treatment modality. Men were matched 1:1 to women with similar characteristics.

Results:

Of 16,701 evaluable patients, 149 (0.89%) men were identified. These men were older (median age 69 years) and predominantly had hormone receptor HR+/HER2– disease (78.3%). Median overall survival (OS) was 41.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI: 26.9–49.7)] and similar to women. Median progression-free survival (PFS) with first-line therapy was 9.3 months [95% CI (7.4–11.5)]. In the HR+/HER2– subpopulation, endocrine therapy (ET) alone was the frontline treatment for 43% of patients, including antiestrogens (n = 19), aromatase inhibitors (n = 15) with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs (n = 3), and various sequential treatments. Median PFS achieved by frontline ET alone was similar in men [9.8 months, 95% CI (6.9–17.4)] and in women [13 months, 95% CI (8.4–30.9)] (p = 0.80). PFS was similar for HR+/HER2– men receiving upfront ET or chemotherapy: 9.8 months [95% CI (6.9–17.4)] versus 9.5 months [95% CI (7.4–11.7)] (p = 0.22), respectively.

Conclusion:

MBC management in men and women leads to similar outcomes, especially in HR+/HER2– patients for whom ET should also be a cornerstone. Unsolved questions remain and successfully recruiting trials for men are still lacking.

Why Methodology Is Important: Coffee as a Candidate Treatment for COVID-19?

BACKGROUND

During this pandemic situation, some studies have led to hasty conclusions about Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) treatment, due to a lack of methodology. This pedagogic study aimed to highlight potential biases in research on COVID-19 treatment.

METHODS

We evaluate the effect of coffee's active part, 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (TMX) on patients with COVID-19. A cohort of 93 patients, with a diagnosis of COVID-19 is analyzed.

RESULTS

TMX group and control group included, respectively, 26 and 67 patients. In the TMX group, patients had a median length of stay in hospital of 5.5 days shorter than in the control group (9.5 vs. 15 days, p < 0.05). Patients in the control group were more severe than patients in the TMX group with a significantly higher National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2 score) (8 vs. 6, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple biases prevents us from concluding to an effect of coffee on COVID-19. Despite an important social pressure during this crisis, methodology and conscientiousness are the best way to avoid hasty conclusions that can be deleterious for patients. Identifier: NCT04395742.

Perspectives on cancer care in older patients in France

In France, cancer is the leading cause of death. Its incidence is increasing due to the growing population and longer life expectancy. Although older adults represent most new cases, they remain underrepresented in clinical trials. Their prognosis is often worse due to delayed diagnosis and multimorbidities. Geriatric oncology has made great strides worldwide, highlighted by important studies implementing geriatric assessment in clinical research and supported by the successive national cancer plans. This paper reviews the most important actions taken in France during the last decade to improve the management of older patients with cancer.

Palliative care delivery according to age among metastatic breast cancer patients. ESME-MBC cohort

Background

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) may require inpatient palliative care (IPC) but literature suggests age-related disparities in palliative care delivery. This study, based on real-world data, aimed to assess the cumulative incidence function (CIF) of IPC delivery and if age is an independent factor, taking into account the competing risk of death.

Methods

The national multicenter ESME (Epidemio-Strategy-Medical-Economical)-MBC cohort includes consecutive MBC patients treated in the 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers. IPC identification used ICD-10 palliative care coding. Main analysis first estimated pseudo values of 2-year and 8-year CIF of IPC. Linear regression models estimated the mean changes of pseudo-values (2 models: 2-year and 8-year CIF of IPC).

Results

Our analysis included 12375 patients, 5093 (41.2%) of whom were aged 65 or over. The median follow-up was 41.5 months (95% CI, 40.5-42.5). The CIF of IPC was 10.3% (95% CI, 10.2-10.4) and 24.8% (95% CI, 24.7-24.8) at two and eight years, respectively. At two years, among triple-negative patients, young patients (&lt;65 yo) had a higher CIF of IPC than older patients after adjusting for cancer characteristics, centre, and period (65+/&lt;65: β=-0.05; 95% CI, -0.08 to -0.01). Among other tumour subtypes, older patients received short-term IPC more frequently than young patients (65+/&lt;65: β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03). At eight years, outside large centres, IPC was delivered less frequently to older patients adjusted to cancer characteristics and period (65+/&lt;65: β=-0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01).

Conclusions

We found a relatively low CIF of IPC and that age influenced IPC delivery. Young triple negative and older non-triple negative patients needed more short-term IPC. Older patients diagnosed outside large centres received less long-term IPC. These findings highlight the need for a wider implementation of IPC facilities and for more age-specific interventions.

Key messages

Our study highlighted particular challenge for older MBC patients diagnosed outside large French Comprehensive Cancer Centers. By identifying age at MBC diagnosis as a factor of IPC delivery, this report supports a wider implementation of IPC facilities and more age-specific interventions.

Palliative care delivery according to age in 12,000 women with metastatic breast cancer: Analysis in the multicentre ESME-MBC cohort 2008-2016

INTRODUCTION

Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) often require inpatient palliative care (IPC). However, mounting evidence suggests age-related disparities in palliative care delivery. This study aimed to assess the cumulative incidence function (CIF) of IPC delivery, as well as the influence of age.

METHODS

The national ESME (Epidemio-Strategy-Medical-Economical)-MBC cohort includes consecutive MBC patients treated in 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centres. ICD-10 palliative care coding was used for IPC identification.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 12,375 patients, 5093 (41.2%) of whom were aged 65 or over. The median follow-up was 41.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 40.5-42.5). The CIF of IPC was 10.3% (95% CI, 10.2-10.4) and 24.8% (95% CI, 24.7-24.8) at 2 and 8 years, respectively. At 2 years, among triple-negative patients, young patients (<65 yo) had a higher CIF of IPC than older patients after adjusting for cancer characteristics, centre and period (65+/<65: β = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.08 to -0.01). Among other tumour sub-types, older patients received short-term IPC more frequently than young patients (65+/<65: β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03). At 8 years, outside large centres, IPC was delivered less frequently to older patients adjusted to cancer characteristics and period (65+/<65: β = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01).

CONCLUSION

We found a relatively low CIF of IPC and that age influenced IPC delivery. Young triple-negative and older non-triple-negative patients needed more short-term IPCs. Older patients diagnosed outside large centres received less long-term IPC. These findings highlight the need for a wider implementation of IPC facilities and for more age-specific interventions.

Palliative versus hospice care in patients with cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend an early access to specialised palliative medicine services for patients with cancer, but studies have reported a continued underuse. Palliative care facilities deliver early care, alongside antineoplastic treatments, whereas hospice care structures intervene lately, when cancer-modifying treatments stop.

AIM

This review identified factors associated with early and late interventions of specialised services, by considering the type of structures studied (palliative vs hospice care).

DESIGN

We performed a systematic review, prospectively registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42018110063).

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline and Scopus databases for population-based studies. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the study quality using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists.

RESULTS

The 51 included articles performed 67 analyses. Most were based on retrospective cohorts and US populations. The median quality scores were 19/22 for cohorts and 15/16 for cross-sectional studies. Most analyses focused on hospice care (n=37). Older patients, men, people with haematological cancer or treated in small centres had less specialised interventions. Palliative and hospice facilities addressed different populations. Older patients received less palliative care but more hospice care. Patients with high-stage tumours had more palliative care while women and patients with a low comorbidity burden received more hospice care.

CONCLUSION

Main disparities concerned older patients, men and people with haematological cancer. We highlighted the challenges of early interventions for older patients and of late deliveries for men and highly comorbid patients. Additional data on non-American populations, outpatients and factors related to quality of life and socioeconomic status are needed.

Contemporary outcomes of metastatic breast cancer among 22,000 women from the multicentre ESME cohort 2008-2016

AIM

Real-world data inform the outcome comparisons and help the development of new therapeutic strategies. To this end, we aimed to describe the full characteristics and outcomes in the Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) cohort, a large national contemporary observational database of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

METHODS

Women aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed MBC and who initiated MBC treatment between January 2008 and December 2016 in one of the 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers (N = 22,109) were included. We assessed the full patients' characteristics, first-line treatments, overall survival (OS) and first-line progression-free survival, as well as updated prognostic factors in the whole cohort and among the 3 major subtypes: hormone receptor positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-, n = 13,656), HER2-positive (HER2+, n = 4017) and triple-negative (n = 2963) tumours.

RESULTS

The median OS of the whole cohort was 39.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.7-40.3). Five-year OS was 33.8%. OS differed significantly between the 3 subtypes (p < 0.0001) with a median OS of 43.3 (95% CI, 42.5-44.5) in HR+/HER2-; 50.1 (95% CI, 47.6-53.1) in HER2+; and 14.8 months (95% CI, 14.1-15.5) in triple-negative subgroups, respectively. Beyond performance status, the following variables had a constant significant negative prognostic impact on OS in the whole cohort and among subtypes: older age at diagnosis of metastases (except for the triple-negative subtype), metastasis-free interval between 6 and 24 months, presence of visceral metastases and number of metastatic sites ≥ 3.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESME program represents a unique large-scale real-life cohort on MBC. This study highlights important situations of high medical need within MBC patients. DATABASE REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT032753.

Cabozantinib in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma (CABONE): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma have a median overall survival of less than 12 months after diagnosis, and a standard treatment strategy has not yet been established. Pharmacological inhibition of MET signalling and aberrant angiogenesis has shown promising results in several preclinical models of Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. We aimed to investigate the activity of cabozantinib, an inhibitor of MET and VEGFR2, in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, single-arm, two-stage, phase 2 trial in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma recruited from ten centres in the French Sarcoma Group. Key eligibility criteria were aged 12 years or older, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and documented disease progression (according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1) before study entry. The number of previous lines of treatment was not limited. Patients received cabozantinib (adults 60 mg, children [<16 years] 40 mg/m²) orally once daily in 28-day cycles until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, the investigator's decision to discontinue, or participant withdrawal. The primary endpoint for Ewing sarcoma was best objective response within 6 months of treatment onset; for osteosarcoma, a dual primary endpoint of 6-month objective response and 6-month non-progression was assessed. All enrolled patients who received at least one dose of cabozantinib were included in the safety analysis, and all participants who received at least one complete or two incomplete treatment cycles were included in the efficacy population. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02243605.

FINDINGS

Between April 16, 2015, and July 12, 2018, 90 patients (45 with Ewing sarcoma 45 with osteosarcoma) were recruited to the study. Median follow-up was 31·3 months (95% CI 12·4-35·4) for patients with Ewing sarcoma and 31·1 months (24·4-31·7) for patients with osteosarcoma. 39 (87%) patients with Ewing sarcoma and 42 (93%) patients with osteosarcoma were assessable for efficacy after histological and radiological review. In patients with Ewing sarcoma, ten (26%; 95% CI 13-42) of 39 patients had an objective response (all partial responses) by 6 months; in patients with osteosarcoma, five (12%; 4-26) of 42 patients had an objective response (all partial responses) and 14 (33%; 20-50) had 6-month non-progression. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were hypophosphataemia (five [11%] for Ewing sarcoma, three [7%] for osteosarcoma), aspartate aminotransferase increase (two [4%] for Ewing sarcoma, three [7%] for osteosarcoma), palmar-plantar syndrome (three [7%] for Ewing sarcoma, two [4%] for osteosarcoma), pneumothorax (one [2%] for Ewing sarcoma, four [9%] for osteosarcoma), and neutropenia (two [4%] for Ewing sarcoma, four [9%] for osteosarcoma). At least one serious adverse event was reported in 61 (68%) of 90 patients. No patients died from drug-related toxic effects.

INTERPRETATION

Cabozantinib has antitumor activity in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma and was generally well tolerated. Cabozantinib could represent a new therapeutic option in this setting, and deserves further investigation.

FUNDING

Institut Bergonié; French National Cancer Institute; Association pour la Recherche contre le Cancer.

Study protocol for the assessment of nurses internal contamination by antineoplastic drugs in hospital centres: a cross-sectional multicentre descriptive study

INTRODUCTION

Antineoplastic drugs (AD) are potentially carcinogenic and/or reprotoxic molecules. Healthcare professionals are increasingly exposed to these drugs and can be potentially contaminated by them. Internal contamination of professionals is a key concern for occupational physicians in the assessment and management of occupational risks in healthcare settings. Objectives of this study are to report AD internal contamination rate in nursing staff and to identify factors associated with internal contamination.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This trial will be conducted in two French hospital centres: University Hospital of Bordeaux and IUCT-Oncopole of Toulouse. The target population is nurses practicing in one of the fifteen selected care departments where at least one of the five studied AD is handled (5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, methotrexate). The trial will be conducted with the following steps: (1) development of analytical methods to quantify AD urine biomarkers, (2) study of the workplace and organization around AD in each care department (transport and handling, professional practices, personal and collective protection equipments available) (3) development of a self-questionnaire detailing professional activities during the day of inclusion, (4) nurses inclusion (urine samples and self-questionnaire collection), (5) urine assays, (6) data analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the French Advisory Committee on the Treatment of Information in Health Research (CCTIRS) and by the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL). Following the opinion of the Regional Committee for the Protection of Persons, this study is outside the scope of the provisions governing biomedical research and routine care (n°2014/87). The results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and reported at suitable national and international meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03137641.

Targetable Alterations in Adult Patients With Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: Insights for Personalized Therapy

Importance

Patients with advanced soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) have a median overall survival of less than 18 months. Identification of molecular abnormalities for which targeted therapies are available or can be developed is critical for improving patient outcomes.

Objective

To characterize targetable genomic alterations (GAs) in patients with STS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study of next-generation sequencing results from 584 patients with STS included in the AACR GENIE Database.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Presence of targetable GAs in STS.

Results

Of 584 patients included in the analysis, 294 (50.3%) were men and 290 (49.7%) were women, with a median age of 56 years (range, 18-89 years). There were 331 (57%) patients with complex genomics sarcomas, 144 (25%) with translocation-related sarcomas, and 112 (18%) with other sarcomas (inactivating mutation, simple amplicon). A total of 2697 alterations were identified in 451 genes (1154 substitutions, 765 gene amplifications, 364 short indels and splicing variants, 346 gene homozygous deletions, and 68 gene rearrangements) with a median of 4 (1-53) per case. In order of frequency, the 20 genes most often altered were: TP53, MDM2, CDK4, RB1, ATRX, CDKN2A, PTEN, NF1, CDKN2B, KMT2D, GLI1, ATM, TERT, PI3KCA, NOTCH1, MAP2K4, ERBB4, ARID1A, TSC2, and TNFAIP3. At least 1 targetable GA was found in 239 cases (41%) with a statistically significant higher number in other and complex genomics sarcomas than in translocation-related sarcomas (respectively other: n=89, 82%, complex: n = 131, 40%, translocation: n = 19, 13%; χ2 test, P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Up to 41% of STS harbored at least 1 clinically relevant GA with potential to influence and personalize therapy. Comprehensive genomic profiling can identify novel treatment paradigms to address the limited options and poor prognoses of patients with STS.

Abstract P5-09-07: Risk reducing strategy in germline BRCA mutated patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Establishing mastectomy as a preventing procedure of local recurrence

Introduction

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is proposed for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to increase the breast conservative treatment (BCT). In France, mastectomy is the risk-reducing prophylactic surgical strategy only for pre-symptomatic germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) patients. On the other hand, BCT is proposed to all patients following NAC based on clinical response, regardless the gBRCAm status. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the risk of local recurrence (LR) according to BRCA status.

Patients and methods

Inclusion criteria were: (i) patients treated for unilateral LABC, T2-3, N≥0, M0 by NAC, and (ii) patients who underwent germline BRCA screening. , using targeted next-generation screening, was carried out either during NAC (rapid process) or after surgery. Deleterious mutations were confirmed using Sanger sequencing before passing on the results to the clinical geneticist. Some gBRCAm patients from Olympia study were also included. Patients were followed-up over a long term for overall survival, LR and disease-free survival. Chi-square and Fischer test were used to generate statistical comparison.

Results

Between 2007 and 2015, 988 women were treated for LABC at our institution. Among them, 151 patients underwent clinical genetic testing for gBRCAm based on these criteria: young age at diagnosis or familial history of breast or ovarian cancer or histological characteristics as grade 2/3, Her2-3+ or basal like. A total of 122 patients were included in the study; 28 patients had gBRCAm status and no mutations were detected in 94 patients (wtBRCA). Significant differences between the two groups (gBRCAm vs wtBRCA) were observed for

Mean age, (36.7 vs 40.1y (p=0.0032) ,

Intrinsic tumor subtypes basal like (64.3% vs 42.5%, p=0.0432)

ER are more often negative (21.4% vs 46.8%, p=0.0165).

Among the 30 patients who underwent BRCA screening during NAC and eligible for BCT, 8 of the 9 patients with gBRCAm choose mastectomy (88%). Among the 92 patients with screening mutation after breast cancer treatment, 5 of the 19 patients with gBRCAm had a mastectomy (28%). In the 28 gBRCAm patients, 15 had a BCT and 13 a mastectomy. In the 94 wtBRCA patients, 67 had a BCT and 27 a mastectomy. After a follow-up of 4.32 years, we observed 8 relapses, 5 LRs after BCT and 3 contro-lateral relapses. Of the 5 LRs, 3 came from 15 gBRCAm with BCT and 2 of the 67 wtBRCA (p=0.0403).

Discussion

In this selected subgroup of patients, gBRCAm rate is higher (23%) than the rate based on familial criteria for BRCA testing (12%). Regarding the rationale for BCT or mastectomy procedure in LABC and pre-symptomatic gBRCAm patients, this study led us to establish mastectomy as risk-reducing strategy in a sole surgery procedure for gBRCAm patients. Moreover, 88% gBRCAm patients chose mastectomy; the mastectomy rate was lower when the patient was unaware of their BRCA status (26%). The LR rate was higher in the gBRCAm vs wtBRCA with a statistical difference. In LABC patients with high genetic risk, the knowledge of mutation status could influence patients' and surgeons' choice of surgery. In case of gBRCAm status, mastectomy is recommended to decrease LR risk.

Citation Format: Tunon de Lara C, Leroux J, Bonnet F, Debled M, Barrouk-Simonet E, Quenel-Tueux N, Lagarde P, Chassaigne F, Esnaud T, Fournier M, Bubien V, Breton-Callu C, Charitansky H, Petit A, Mathoulin-Pelissier S, Macgrogan G, Longy M, Sevenet N. Risk reducing strategy in germline BRCA mutated patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Establishing mastectomy as a preventing procedure of local recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-07.

A single-center study on total mastectomy versus skin-sparing mastectomy in case of pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

INTRODUCTION

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) accounts for 15% of all breast cancers and generally, the prognosis is good if treated optimally. The standard treatment includes breast conservative surgery along with adjuvant radiotherapy. Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) preserves the breast skin envelope but its oncological safety poses a few concerns. Moreover, no DCIS-specific studies have compared the local recurrence (LR) rate following total mastectomy (TM) or SSM. We evaluated the LR rate in DCIS patients who underwent either TM or SSM.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study on women who underwent mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction or secondary reconstruction for pure DCIS of the breast. All patients treated at Institut Bergonié by mastectomy for DCIS from January 1990 to December 2010 were included. LR and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated.

RESULTS

The study population included 399 patients who were categorized into two groups, 207 in the TM group and 192 in the SSM group. At 10 years of follow-up, the LR rate was 0.97% in the TM group and 1.04% in the SSM group (p = NS). The OS of the entire population was 94.7% [95% CI; 91.6-96.7], 92.8% [95% CI, 87.9-95.8] for the TM group and 96.8% [95% CI, 91.6-98.8] for the SSM group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the LR rate following mastectomy is low, regardless of the surgical technique used, with an excellent OS at 10 years.

Radiofrequency ablation of stage IA non-small cell lung cancer in patients ineligible for surgery: results of a prospective multicenter phase II trial

Background

A prospective multicenter phase II trial to evaluate the survival outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ineligible for surgery.

Methods

Patients with a biopsy-proven stage IA NSCLC, staging established by a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), were eligible. The primary objective was to evaluate the local control of RFA at 1-year. Secondary objectives were 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS), 3-year local control, lung function (prior to and 3 months after RFA) and quality of life (prior to and 1 month after RFA).

Results

Of the 42 patients (mean age 71.7 y) that were enrolled at six French cancer centers, 32 were eligible and assessable. Twenty-seven patients did not recur at 1 year corresponding to a local control rate of 84.38% (95% CI, [67.21–95.72]). The local control rate at 3 years was 81.25% (95% CI, [54.35–95.95]). The OS rate was 91.67% (95% CI, [77.53–98.25]) at 1 year and 58.33% (95% CI, [40.76–74.49]) at 3 years. The forced expiratory volume was stable in most patients apart from two, in whom we observed a 10% decrease. There was no significant change in the global health status or in the quality of life following RFA.

Conclusion

RFA is an efficient treatment for medically inoperable stage IA NSCLC patients. RFA is well tolerated, does not adversely affect pulmonary function and the 3-year OS rate is comparable to that of stereotactic body radiotherapy, in similar patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01841060 registered in November 2008.

Time trends of overall survival among metastatic breast cancer patients in the real-life ESME cohort

AIM

Real-life analysis of overall survival (OS) trends among metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients may help define medical needs and evaluate the impact of public health investments. The present study aimed to evaluate the independent impact of the year of MBC diagnosis on OS in the Epidemio-Strategy-Medical-Economical (ESME)-MBC cohort.

METHODS

ESME-MBC (NCT03275311) is a French, national, multicentre, observational cohort including 16,702 consecutive newly diagnosed MBC patients (01 January 2008-31 December 2014). Of 16,680 eligible patients, 15,085 had full immunohistochemistry data, allowing classification as hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-, N = 9907), HER2-positive (HER2+, N = 2861) or triple-negative (HR-/HER2-, N = 2317) subcohorts. Multivariate analyses of OS were conducted among the full ESME cohort and subcohorts.

RESULTS

Median OS of the whole cohort was 37.22 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.3-38.04). Year of diagnosis was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-1.00], P = .01) together with age, subtype, disease-free interval, visceral metastases and number of organs involved. Median OS of HR+/HER2-, HER2+ and HR-/HER2- subcohorts was, respectively, 42.12 (95% CI, 40.90-43.10), 44.91 (95% CI, 42.51-47.90) and 14.52 (95% CI, 13.70-15.24) months. Year of diagnosis was a strong independent predictor of OS in HER2+ subcohort (hazard ratio 0.91 [95% CI, 0.88-0.94], P < .001), but not in HR+/HER2- nor HR-/HER2- subcohorts (hazard ratio 1.00 [95% CI, 0.98-1.01], P = .80 and 1.00 [95% CI, 0.97-1.02], P = .90, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The OS of MBC patients has slightly improved over the past decade. However, this effect is confined to HER2+ cases, highlighting the need of new strategies in the other subtypes.

HPV and cofactors for invasive cervical cancer in Morocco: a multicentre case-control study

Background

Limited national information is available in Morocco on the prevalence and distribution of HPV-sub-types of cervical cancer and the role of other risk factors. The aim was to determine the frequency of HPV-sub-types of cervical cancer in Morocco and investigate risk factors for this disease.

Methods

Between November 2009 and April 2012 a multicentre case-control study was carried out. A total of 144 cases of cervical cancer and 288 age-matched controls were included. Odds-ratios and corresponding confidence-intervals were computed by conditional logistic regression models.

Results

Current HPV infection was detected in 92.5% of cases and 13.9% of controls. HPV16 was the most common type for both cases and controls. Very strong associations between HPV-sub-types and cervical cancer were observed: total-HPV (OR = 39), HPV16 (OR = 49), HPV18 (OR = 31), and multiple infections (OR = 13). Education, high parity, sexual intercourse during menstruation, history of sexually transmitted infections, and husband’s multiple sexual partners were also significantly associated with cervical cancer in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Our results could be used to establish a primary prevention program and to prioritize limited screening to women who have specific characteristics that may put them at an increased risk of cervical cancer.

PRognostic factor of Early Death In phase II Trials or the end of 'sufficient life expectancy' as an inclusion criterion? (PREDIT model)

Background

Optimizing patient selection is a necessary step to design better clinical trials. ‘Life expectancy’ is a frequent inclusion criterion in phase II trial protocols, a measure that is subjective and often difficult to estimate. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with early death in patients included in phase II studies.

Methods

We retrospectively collected medical records of patients with advanced solid tumors included in phase II trials in two French Comprehensive Cancer Centers (Bordeaux, Center 1 set; Lille, Center 2 set). We analyzed patients’ baseline characteristics. Predictive factors associated with early death (mortality at 3 months) were identified by logistic regression. We built a model (PREDIT, PRognostic factor of Early Death In phase II Trials) based on prognostic factors isolated from the final multivariate model.

Results

Center 1 and 2 sets included 303 and 227 patients, respectively. Patients from Center 1 and 2 sets differed in tumor site, urological (26 % vs 15 %) and gastrointestinal (18 % vs 28 %) and in lung metastasis incidence (10 % vs 49 %). Overall survival (OS) at 3 months was 88 % (95 % CI [83.5; 91.0], Center 1 set) and 91 % (95 % CI [86.7; 94.2], Center 2 set). Presence of a ‘life expectancy’ inclusion criterion did not improve the 3-month OS (HR 0.6, 95 % CI [0.2; 1.2], p = 0.2325). Independent factors of early death were an ECOG score of 2 (OR 13.3, 95%CI [4.1; 43.4]), hyperleukocytosis (OR 5.5, 95 % CI [1.9; 16.3]) and anemia (OR 2.8, 95 % CI [1.1; 7.1]). Same predictive factors but with different association levels were found in the Center 2 set. Using the Center 1 set, ROC analysis shows a good discrimination to predict early death (AUC: 0.89 at 3 months and 0.86 at 6 months).

Conclusions

Risk modeling in two independent cancer populations based on simple clinical parameters showed that baseline ECOG of 2, hyperleukocytosis and anemia are strong early-death predictive factors. This model allows identifying patients who may not benefit from a phase II trial investigational drug and may, therefore, represent a helpful tool to select patients for phase II trial entry.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2819-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Estimating attributable fraction of lung cancer linked to smoking in Morocco

The objective of this research was to estimate the attributable fraction (AF) of lung cancer linked to smoking in Morocco. The estimation was based on the SAMMEC (Adult Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Morbidity and Economic Costs) method based on the Levin formula to calculate AF linked to tobacco. Data about frequencies, association measures and relative risks were taken from available sources. The AF of lung cancer linked to smoking was about 87%, and around 3049 cases of this cancer in men could be avoided if tobacco use could be prevented. About a 10% reduction in smoking prevalence would result in a reduction of 346 lung cancer cases. Our study provides additional important elements for further advocacy to policy-makers to implement a tobacco control strategy based on a prevention policy in line with the epidemiological situation which could avoid a huge burden on the country.

Optimizing the G8 Screening Tool for Older Patients With Cancer: Diagnostic Performance and Validation of a Six-Item Version

BACKGROUND

A multidimensional geriatric assessment (GA) is recommended in older cancer patients to inventory health problems and tailor treatment decisions accordingly but requires considerable time and human resources. The G8 is among the most sensitive screening tools for selecting patients warranting a full GA but has limited specificity. We sought to develop and validate an optimized version of the G8.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used a prospective cohort of cancer patients aged ≥ 70 years referred to geriatricians for GA (2007-2012: n = 729 [training set]; 2012-2014: n = 414 [validation set]). Abnormal GA was defined as at least one impaired domain across seven validated tests. Multiple correspondence analysis, multivariate logistic regression, and bootstrapped internal validation were performed sequentially.

RESULTS

The final model included six independent predictors for abnormal GA: weight loss, cognition/mood, performance status, self-rated health status, polypharmacy (≥ 6 medications per day), and history of heart failure/coronary heart disease. For the original G8, sensitivity was 87.2% (95% confidence interval, 84.3-89.7), specificity 57.7% (47.3-67.7), and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 86.5% (83.5-89.6). The modified G8 had corresponding values of 89.2% (86.5-91.5), 79.0% (69.4-86.6), and 91.6% (89.3; 93.9), with higher AUROC values for all tumor sites and stable properties on the validation set.

CONCLUSION

A modified G8 screening tool exhibited better diagnostic performance with greater uniformity across cancer sites and required only six items. If these features are confirmed in other settings, the modified tool may facilitate selection for a full GA in older patients with cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Several screening tools have been developed to identify older patients with cancer likely to benefit from a complete geriatric assessment, but none combines appropriate sensitivity and specificity. Based on a large prospective cohort study, an optimized G8 tool was developed, combining a systematic statistical approach with expert judgment to ensure optimal discriminative power and clinical relevance. The improved screening tool achieves high sensitivity, high specificity, better homogeneity across cancer types, and greater parsimony with only six items needed, facilitating selection for a full geriatric assessment.

Combined ablation and resection (CARe) as an effective parenchymal sparing treatment for extensive colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Combined intra-operative ablation and resection (CARe) is proposed to treat extensive colorectal liver metastases (CLM). This multicenter study was conducted to evaluate overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), hepatic recurrence-free survival (HRFS) and progression-free survival (PFS), to identify factors associated with survival, and to report complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four centers combined retropectively their clinical experiences regarding CLM treated by CARe. CLM characteristics, pre- and post-operative chemotherapy regimens, surgical procedures, complications and survivals were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 288 patients who received CARe, 210 (73%) had synchronous and 255 (88%) had bilateral CLM. Twenty-two patients (8%) had extrahepatic disease. Median follow-up was 3.17 years (95%CI 2.83-4.08). Median OS was 3.33 years (95%CI 3.08-4.17) and 5-year OS was 37% (95%CI 29-45). One- and 5-year LRFS from ablated lesions were 87.9% (95%CI 83.3-91.2) and 78.0% (95%CI 71-83), respectively. Median HRFS and PFS were 14 months (95%CI 11-18) and 9 months (95%CI 8-11), respectively. One hundred patients experienced complications: 29 grade I, 68 grade II-III-IV, and three deaths. In the multivariate models adjusted for center, the occurrence of complications was confirmed as a major independent factor associated with 3-year OS (HR 1.80; P = 0.008). Five-year OS was 25.6% (95%CI 14.9-37.6) for patients with complications and 45% (95%CI 33.3-53.4) for patients without.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent strategies facing advanced CLM include non-anatomic resections, portal-induced hypertrophy of the future remnant liver and aggressive medical preoperative treatments. CARe has the qualities of an approach that allows effective tumor clearance while maintaining good tolerance for the patient.

Quality of reporting of phase II trials: a focus on highly ranked oncology journals

BACKGROUND

Phase II trials represent an essential step in the development of anticancer drugs. This study assesses the quality of their reporting in highly ranked oncology journals, investigates predictive factors of quality, and proposes reporting guidelines.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the table of contents of all volumes of eight peer-reviewed oncology journals published in English between January and December 2011 with a 2011 impact factor (IF)>4. Two reviewers assessed the quality of each report by using a 44-point overall quality score (OQS). Primary end point definition, justification of sample size, and definition of the evaluable population, were assessed separately to establish a 3-point key methodological score (KMS). Exploratory analyses identified predictive factors associated with scores.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-six articles were included. The median OQS was 28 (range: 9-35). OQS subsection analysis showed that reporting of statistical methods was low with a median OQS of 3. Median KMS was 2 (range 0-3). Primary end point definition, justification of sample size and definition of the evaluable population were reported in only 107 (68.6%), 121 (77.6%), and 52 (33.3%) cases, respectively. At multivariate analysis, registration on clinicaltrials.gov and IF>10 were associated with improved OQS. No associations for KMS were observed.

CONCLUSION

Phase II trial reporting is still poor even in journals with strict editorial policies. This may lead to biased interpretation of phase II trial results. Besides using a checklist during the preparation of their manuscript, authors should also provide reviewers and readers with the last version of the study's protocol.

Direct costs of cervical cancer management in Morocco

BACKGROUND

For cervical cancer the epidemiological profile is poorly known in Morocco and no data is available concerning the direct medical costs. The purpose of this work is to estimate the direct cost of medical management of invasive cervical cancer during the first year after diagnosis in Morocco.

METHODS

The estimation of direct costs of medical management of invasive cervical cancer during the first year after diagnosis in Morocco is based on the estimation of individual cost in each stage which covers diagnosis, treatment and follow-up during first year. The cost was estimated per patient and whole cycle-set using the costs for each drug and procedure as indicated by the Moroccan National Agency for Health Insurance. Extrapolation of the results to the whole country was used to calculate the total annual cost of cervical cancer treatments in Morocco.

RESULTS

Overall approximately 1,978 new cases of cervical cancer occur each year in Morocco. The majority (82.96%) of these cases were diagnosed at a late stage (stage II or more). The cost of one case of cervical cancer depends on stage of diagnosis, the lowest cost is $382 for stage Cis followed by the cost of stage IA1 for young women (<40 years) which is $2,952. The highest cost is for stage IV, which is $7,827. The total cost of cervical cancer care for one year after diagnosis is estimated at $13,589,360. The share allocated to treatment is the most important part of the global care budget with an annual sum of $13,027,609 whereas other cost components are represented as follows: $435,694 for annual follow-up activity and $126,057 for diagnosis and preclinical staging.

CONCLUSION

This study provides health decision-makers with a first estimate of costs and the opportunity to achieve the optimal use of available data to estimate the needs of health facilities in Morocco.