Outcomes following off-site remote systemic cancer therapy administration

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System (VA-NWIHCS) extends cancer care to rural veterans using teleoncology.
• Remote systemic cancer therapy services are offered at Lincoln and Grand Island sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical outcomes of patients receiving cancer care at remote teleoncology sites versus the primary Omaha site.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of remote systemic cancer therapy delivery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 151 patients receiving first-line systemic therapy between January 2018 and December 2020.
• Analysis included demographics, cancer type/stage, survival, treatment details, toxicities, and healthcare utilization.
• Statistical analysis performed using SAS version 9.4.

Main Results:

• 108 patients treated in Omaha, 43 at remote sites; predominantly male, median age 69, ECOG PS 0-1.
• Groups were comparable in comorbidities, cancer types, stage IV disease proportion, and curative intent.
• No significant differences observed in 1- and 2-year survival, treatment toxicity, cycle delays, or hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

• Teleoncology provides comparable oncology care outcomes to in-person treatment.
• Remote systemic cancer therapy delivery is effective and can improve access to care for rural veterans.