First results of the evaluation of process quality criteria for systemic therapy in a clinical cancer registry

A. Kimminger, W. Tretter, M. Wiedemann, G. Schubert-Fritschle, J. Engel, D. Hölzel
Munich Cancer Registry (MCR) of the Munich Cancer Centre (MCC)

Background

Systemic cancer therapy nowadays is characterized by individualization, increasing complexity, and rising costs. Little information, however, exists about benefits and harms of guideline-oriented individualised therapies in routine health care and more transparency in a population based setting is necessary. Aim of this project is to describe compliance, safety and effectiveness of individualised systemic therapy in the region of the Munich Cancer Registry (MCR).

Methods

An efficient online documentation system was integrated within a network for physicians and clinics facilitating documentation of indication, dosage and treatment schedule of the different administered pharmaceuticals, best response and other quality criteria.

Results

The MCR registered treatment schedules for 1.914 patients from 2008 to 2012 with 2753 courses. Adjuvant dosage was applied as planned in 82.0% and as scheduled in 87.7%. For the following cancer entities the percentages for fulfilled dosage and time schedule are as follows: 92.9 and 87.1 (breast), 92.6 and 90.2 (lung), 66.7 and 84.0 (colon), 82.9 and 92.5 (rectum). The main reason for abandonment were side effects (5.6%), abandonment of adjuvant therapy at patient’s option was seldom (2.5%), cancer specific values are 1.4 % (breast), 0.8% (lung), 2.5% (colon), 3.4% (rectum).
In palliation percentages for applied dosage were almost comparable, the fulfilled time scheduled, however, were clear lower.

Conclusions

The first results about process quality criteria (dosage and time schedule) show better realization than expected. Integration of specifications about systemic therapy in cancer registries delivers relevant information of individualised therapy in routine care.

31. Deutscher Krebskongress, Berlin, 19.-22.2.2014.
Oncology Research and Treatment 2014;37 (suppl.1): 81