1549PD - Treating Diabetic Patients with Chemotherapy: Single Centre Experience of Toxicity and Outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Diabetes is a common comorbidity in cancer patients, and is associated with poorer survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there is little data to describe the experience of diabetic patients during chemotherapy. We have compared a diabetic population of cancer patients with matched controls receiving chemotherapy in a single centre. Methods We performed a retrospective case note analysis using an electronic patient record database (Patient Pathway Manager) and chemotherapy prescription software (ChemoCare) between 2001 and 2011. Diabetic patients starting first line chemotherapy for advanced CRC and advanced gynaecological cancers (GC) were identified. For each case a non-diabetic control was selected, matched for age ( Results 146 diabetic patients and 146 matched controls were included. Median age was 67 years; 95% of diabetic patients had type 2 diabetes, 18.5% were receiving insulin. Performance status was similar (diabetic 66% PS0-1, 29% PS2-3; non-diabetic 64% PS0-1, 34% PS2-3); more diabetic patients had comorbidity (60% vs 45%). A non-significant difference was observed in dose reductions (upfront 31.5% vs 23.9% p = 0.15; on-treatment 23.3 vs 13.7% p = 0.35). Only 5% of diabetic patients had upfront steroid reduction. Diabetes was independently associated with an increased risk of acute admission (OR = 3.32, 95%CI 1.8-5.8, p Conclusions Diabetic patients experienced more acute complications on chemotherapy possibly limiting further treatment options. A prospective study would clarify the contributing factors and inform planning and monitoring of diabetic patients with cancer. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.