Temporal trends in the intensity and duration of oncologic care among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (pts).

Abstract

6552 Background: Substantial advances in therapy of CRC pts occurred between 2000 and 2012 contributing to a significant increase in overall survival. The objective of this study is to quantify the change in treatment (tx) intensity as measured by clinic and tx visits at a network of medical and radiation oncology clinics. Methods: Electronic scheduling records of stage I-IV CRC patients referred between 2000-2012 to the six oncology centers comprising the British Columbia Cancer Agency were reviewed and stratified by tx phases: I and II (adjuvant first 6 months, continued), III and IV (palliative first 6 months, continued), and V (last 6 months of life). Clinic Visit Intensity (CVI), Chemo Tx Intensity (CTI), number of chemo agents and number of cycles (CC), Radiotherapy (Rx) courses (RC) and fractions (RF) were measured, and trends by referral year were modelled using zero inflated negative binomial regression. Mean duration of visit for chemo tx (CHD) and clinic visits (CVD) were modelled using linear regression. Sex, age at diagnosis, stage, income, and community size were included in models if terms were significant. Results: 15,157 pts were included across 10 cohorts. CTI and CC increased significantly in tx phases II-V with later year of referral, while phase I results were stable or decreased, likely due to the substitution of oral for intravenous regimens. Rx increased only in advanced phases. Mean duration of scheduled time showed significant increases. Conclusions: CRC pts referred in 2012 vs 2000 receive significantly greater intensity and duration of care in tx phases II-V. Results have significant implications for resource allocation and the patient experience. [Table: see text]