Applying a Model to Predict Neutropenia Risk in Patients With Cancer Using Electronic Data

Abstract

Background/Aims: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs) are indicated to decrease the incidence of infections associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (a severe reduction in white blood cells) in cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Severe neutropenia or febrile neutropenia occurs in 25–40% of treatment-naïve patients and are associated with increased infection rates, treatment delays, dose reductions, hospitalizations, deaths and increased costs. In addition to the chemotherapy treatment regimen, patient-specific factors influence neutropenic risk. Current guideline recommendations do not include a mechanism to quantify patient risk when determining need to G-CSF support. Studies report over- and underuse of G-CSF among those at low and high risk for neutropenia. A neutropenia risk model developed by Lyman et al. showed prior chemotherapy, relative dose intensity (RDI), abnormal liver and renal function, and low white cell count are major risk factors. We are testing the feasibility of using readily available clinical and administrative data from the HealthPartners electronic medical record and Oncology Treatment Module to apply the Lyman model to data from adult cancer patients receiving first cycle chemotherapy.