Patients' Trajectory With Lung Cancer From Treatment Initiation to End-Of-Life: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using
Yuri Ogura1, Masahiro Iwasaku1, Mami Ishida2
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
|November 29, 2024
Summary
This study reveals that palliative care unit (PCU) use for lung cancer patients increases sharply near death, with few dying at home. Treatment type influences end-of-life care location.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Lung cancer treatment pathways and end-of-life care patterns are complex.
- Understanding patient journeys from diagnosis to death is crucial for improving care quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the treatment course and end-of-life care of lung cancer patients.
- To identify clinical factors associated with end-of-life care utilization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing National Health Insurance Claims Data.
- Analysis of patients diagnosed with lung cancer between April 2013 and March 2021.
- Evaluation of treatment courses and end-of-life care patterns.
Main Results:
- Median time from initial lung cancer treatment to death was 13 months.
- Palliative care unit (PCU) utilization increased significantly in the final days before death (40.5% on day of death).
- Only 15% of patients died at home; home/PCU care prevalence was higher with molecular targeted drugs and in females.
Conclusions:
- Claims data provide insights into lung cancer patient end-of-life care patterns.
- PCU use is concentrated near death, and home deaths are infrequent.
- Clinical factors, such as treatment modality, may influence the place of end-of-life care.
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