Survivorship after lower gastrointestinal cancer: Patient reported outcomes and planning for care.

Abstract

695 Background: There is significant need for quality follow-up care to optimize long-term outcomes for the growing population of lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable information regarding late- and long-term effects. Methods: Using a convenience sample from 1,129 colon, rectal and anal cancer survivors (n=792, 218, and 119, respectively) who utilized an Internet-based survivorship care plan (SCP) tool, we examined patient-reported demographics, treatment, and toxicity data. Responses from a follow-up survey were reviewed. Results: Median age of diagnosis was 51 years and median current age was 54 years. 81% of respondents were Caucasian and 58% were female. The most commonly reported late- and long-term effects for all survivors were neuropathy (65%), fatigue (56%), cognitive changes (49%), changes in GI function (43%), sexual dysfunction (22% in males, 43% in females), and radiation-induced dermatologic effects including changes in color/texture of skin (39%) and loss of flexibility in radiated areas (31%). The prevalence of these effects varied with length of time since treatment and treatment modality. Anal cancer patients reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and radiation-induced dermatologic effects. Over 87% of users reported satisfaction levels of "good" to "excellent" using this tool, and 69% reported they intend to share SCP with their healthcare team. Conclusions: For lower GI cancer survivors, it is feasible to obtain PROs from an Internet-based survivorship tool. Survivors report a wide spectrum of late- and long-term side effects, which can be used to inform counseling at time of diagnosis, as well as help anticipate and respond to disease- and treatment-related sequelae during follow-up. We are among the first to report on PROs in anal cancer survivors. Further investigation on the impact of SCPs on healthcare communication and use is needed.