P.097 Glioblastoma treatment, end-of-life resource utilization, and outcomes in Ontario

Abstract

Background: The end-of-life (EoL) phase of care is pivotal for glioblastoma (GBM) patients. While early integration of palliative care has shown benefits in various cancer types, its role in GBM care remains underexplored. This study aims to characterize EoL care patterns in GBM patients, assessing their temporal evolution, regional disparities, and socioeconomic influences. Methods: This is retrospective study of all patients with GBM treated in Ontario between 1994 and 2018 using the ICES data repository. Variables analyzed included patient demographics, comorbidities, palliative care utilization, and aggressive/supportive care components. Results: We identified 9,013 GBM patients within the study period. There was a gradual increase in palliative care utilization over time, accompanied by a decrease in in-hospital deaths. However, the proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life increased. Multivariate logistic regression found socioeconomic status influenced palliative care access and rural patients also had a higher rate of in-hospital deaths, possibly due to limitations in outpatient palliative care services. Conclusions: The findings in this study clarify the status of EoL care for GBM patients within Ontario, and demonstrates key areas for future research, underscoring the need for standardized EoL care practices to enhance the quality of care for GBM patients.