Initiation of systemic therapy during the last 30 days of life in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract

<b>Background/Aim</b>: Compared to intravenous taxane chemotherapy, newer orally-available and/or less toxic agents for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (MCRPC) may be associated with higher likelihood of starting treatment in patients with adverse prognostic features and limited life expectancy. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the rates of treatment initiation during the last 30 days of life in a real-world cohort of men with MCRPC. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 146 patients. <b>Results</b>: Seven patients (5%) who started any systemic treatment during the last 30 days of life were identified. The likelihood of treatment initiation in the last 30 days of life correlated significantly with the number of lines of systemic treatment (higher risk for previously treated patients) and non-use of bone-targeted agents. <b>Conclusion</b>: Initiation of systemic therapy in the last 30 days of life was uncommon. This endpoint might complement other quality-of-care indicators.