End-of-life and palliative care in patients with metastatic renal cancer

Palliative care is a fundamental component of the comprehensive management of patients with advanced cancer, significantly improving quality of life. Since most patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) ultimately die from disease progression, end-of-life care represents a key element of quality cancer care. This area can be assessed through specific indicators derived from administrative data.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with mRCC who initiated treatment at our center between September 2012 and September 2019, evaluating quality indicators related to end-of-life care.

Of the 71 patients identified, 57 had died at the time of analysis (81.6%). A total of 59.6% (95% CI 46.8-72.3) died in hospital, 64% of these in palliative care units. In the last 30 days of life, 22.8% (95% CI 12-33.5) visited the emergency room more than once, while only 1.8% (95% CI 0-5.1) were admitted to the ICU. Contact with palliative care services was documented in 49% (95% CI 36.1-62) of patients, although only 5.3% (95% CI 0-11.1) received early referral (more than 90 days before death).

Palliative care in mRCC is underutilized and predominantly offered as end-of-life care, with early referral being exceptional. Multidisciplinary strategies are needed to optimize these services.