scholarly journals TP10.2.11The consequences of COVID-19 on the colorectal red-flag cancer pathway- A 3 month review 2019 to 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Sarah Small ◽  
Rachael Coulson ◽  
Ian Mcallister

Abstract Aim The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving healthcare challenge introducing greater burden on existing resources. With 1,100 people in Northern Ireland diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) per annum, concerns over disruption of cancer services and secondary consequences have been highlighted. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the CRC red flag pathway in comparison to the pre-COVID era. Methods Two comparative data sets were compiled through retrospective analysis of red-flag colorectal referrals over a 3-month period for both April to June 2019 and 2020. A comprehensive review of each patient’s electronic care record and medical notes was completed. Patient demographics, co-morbidity, referral information, time to hospital appointment and investigation modality were documented. For patients identified with CRC the stage and time to first definitive treatment was documented. Results A total of 47 CRCs were identified from both red-flag referral groups; 25 CRCs 2019 compared to 22 in 2020. Median age at time of referral was 79 years in 2019 compared to 71 years in 2020. Time to outpatient review was significantly less during 2020 compared to 2019; 16 days and 31 days respectively (p < 0.05). Time to first treatment was 103 days 2019 compared to 75 days 2020 (p < 0.05). Advanced diagnostic stage or increased number of emergency hospital presentations in the COVID-19 period was not demonstrated. Conclusion Despite disruption of established colorectal cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated patients waited less time to outpatient review and intervention. With comparative cases of CRC to the pre-COVID era diagnosed.

Author(s):  
Jemma M. Boyle ◽  
Angela Kuryba ◽  
Helen A. Blake ◽  
Ajay Aggarwal ◽  
Jan Meulen ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14647-e14647
Author(s):  
Laxmi H Iyer ◽  
Ilene S. Browner ◽  
Amanda L. Blackford ◽  
Daniel A. Laheru ◽  
Nilofer Saba Azad ◽  
...  

e14647 Background: Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) is a common treatment-limiting toxicity of regimens used for colorectal cancer (CRC). Fluoropyrimidines, the backbone of CRC regimens, are associated with diarrhea, but the frequency and severity in older patients are less known due to under-representation of older patients in CRC trials. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of older CRC patients will increase. We aimed to evaluate if older patients are vulnerable to CID. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients >70 years old who received fluoropyrimidines based therapy for stages II-IV CRC at Johns Hopkins and Bayview Medical Center from 1996-2007. Patient demographics and cancer-specific data were retrieved. Diarrhea was graded per National Cancer Institute Clinical Toxicity Criteria. Results: We included 150 patients > 70 years old. Median age was 75 (range 70-87). 65 (43%) were 70-74 years old, 52 (35%) were 75-79 years and 33 (22%) > 80. Diarrhea occurred in 48% (n=72) of patients. Presence of diarrhea was not significantly associated with increasing age (70-74, 75-79 or >80 years), gender, ECOG performance, number of comorbidities or medications. Severe grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 16% (n=24) and was associated with advanced stage (p=0.04). CID (all grades) was more common in cycle 1 than subsequent cycles (p=0.002). Conclusions: Fluoropyrimidines based therapy was tolerated in older patients with CRC. Incidence of CID was not associated with increasing age, gender, performance, comorbidities or polypharmacy. Severe diarrhea occurs in advanced stage and early during therapy. Larger prospective studies are needed to definitively evaluate the impact of age on CID.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Cribb ◽  
F Liccardo ◽  
S Crisford ◽  
N Pawa

Abstract Introduction 12% of cancers in the UK are colorectal in origin1 with 1-3% secondary to genetic mismatch repair due to Lynch syndrome2, for which the 2017 NICE guidance recommended that patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) be tested3. It increases the risk of developing other cancers such as endometrial, ovarian and small bowel1, changes the oncological treatment offered to CRC patients4,5, and prompts investigation of their relatives for the condition. In this audit we assessed our rates of trust wide Lynch testing. Method Patients with a diagnosis of CRC from 2017-2019 were identified from records held by our cancer services department. Histology results were obtained from an online results portal. Results 345 were included in the analysis, 79% of which were tested for Lynch, with time taken from biopsy to results ranging from 2 to 276 days (average 45). 54% had results within 30 days, 34% between 30 and 90 days and 12% exceeded 90 days. There was no significant difference of Lynch testing rates between each year. The proportion of results returned within 30 days increased by year, with rates of 30% (2017), 55% (2018) and 71% (2019). The median days from biopsy to results also improved, from 39 to 28 and 16 days, respectively. Conclusions Rates and efficiency of our screening for lynch syndrome need improvement to meet the target suggested by NICE. The impact of the recent centralisation our regions pathology department on Lynch testing service provision requires further investigation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silje Welsh ◽  
Ahmed Al-Ani

Abstract Aim The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has driven unprecedented restriction of the National Health Service to accommodate additional pressures. Our aim was to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the largest colorectal cancer (CRC) services in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Method Audit data collected from multidisciplinary team meetings for South Glasgow CRC service were accessed. We compared April-June 2020 (‘Lockdown group’) to corresponding months in 2019 (‘Control group’). Statistical analysis by unpaired T-test, Pearson’s χ2 test with post hoc analysis using adjusted Z scores and Bonferroni correction. Results There was a 39.5% reduction in CRC diagnoses during lockdown (n = 49) compared to control (n = 81). There was a 34.1% reduction in CRC operations during lockdown (n = 27) compared to control (n = 52). The proportion of patients managed operatively did not differ between groups (p = 0.140). There was no difference in the number of days from diagnosis to first treatment between Lockdown and Control groups (Mean(SD): 40.1±35.3 and 43.2±42.9, p = 0.257). Primary care physicians were the main referral source for both lockdown (52%) and control groups (46%). The cessation of bowel screening programme saw no referrals in lockdown whereas it accounted for 21% of referrals in control group, p < 0.001). Conclusions We experienced dramatic reductions in CRC diagnoses during lockdown that was not only accounted for by the cessation of bowel screening. The diagnostic delay in the 39.5% ‘missed’ CRC patients may result in patient morbidity; a severe repercussion of COVID-19. The resurgence of COVID-19 cases poses a real threat to cancer services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Welsh ◽  
A Al-Ani

Abstract Aim The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has driven unprecedented restriction of the National Health Service to accommodate additional pressures. Our aim was to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the largest colorectal cancer (CRC) services in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Method Audit data collected from multidisciplinary team meetings for South Glasgow CRC service were accessed. We compared April-June 2020 (‘Lockdown group’) to corresponding months in 2019 (‘Control group’). Statistical analysis by unpaired T-test, Pearson’s χ2 test with post hoc analysis using adjusted Z scores and Bonferroni correction as appropriate. Results There was a 39.5% reduction in CRC diagnoses during lockdown (n = 49) compared to control (n = 81). There was a 34.1% reduction in CRC operations during lockdown (n = 27) compared to control (n = 52). The proportion of patients managed operatively did not differ between groups (p = 0.140). There was no difference in the number of days from diagnosis to first treatment between Lockdown and Control groups (Mean(SD): 40.1±35.3 and 43.2±42.9, p = 0.257). Primary care physicians were the main referral source for both lockdown (52%) and control groups (46%). The cessation of bowel screening programme saw no referrals in lockdown whereas it accounted for 21% of referrals in control group, p < 0.001). Conclusions We experienced dramatic reductions in CRC diagnoses during lockdown that was not only accounted for by the cessation of bowel screening. The diagnostic delay in the 39.5% ‘missed’ CRC patients may result in patient morbidity; a severe repercussion of COVID-19. The resurgence of COVID-19 cases poses a real threat to cancer services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19159-e19159
Author(s):  
Richard Lewis Martin ◽  
Gretchen C. Edwards ◽  
Lauren R. Samuels ◽  
Cathy Eng ◽  
Christianne L. Roumie

e19159 Background: Rural patients have well described disparities in quality cancer care. The VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act (2015) and VA Mission Act (2018) were passed to increase timely access to cancer care for veterans living at greater distances from VA facilities by paying for community oncology care. We sought to evaluate the baseline timeliness of adjuvant colorectal cancer (CRC) chemotherapy among patients living at increased distances from the Veterans Health Administration Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (VHA-TVHS) to determine local metrics for quality improvement initiatives. Methods: We reviewed 1,107 electronic medical records of patients with colorectal surgeries from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015 at the VHA-TVHS. We included patients with NCCN eligible pathologic high-risk stage II (T4/perf, R1, < 12LN, LVI) or stage III CRC and excluded those age ≥80, age ≥75 hospitalized in the prior year with a major co-morbidity, and death or hospice within 30 days of surgery. Primary exposure was travel distance from central zip code of patient residence to VHA-TVHS, categorized < 50 miles (N = 64), 55-99 miles (N = 60), and ≥ 100 miles (N = 56) to account for changes in referral patterns. Outcomes were days from surgery to first chemotherapy treatment and achieving a VHA timeliness standard of 56 days. Eligible patients not receiving chemotherapy were capped at 120 days per Commission on Cancer standard. Results: Of 1,107 colorectal resections, we excluded 623 for non-cancer, 212 for stage I or low risk stage II, 47 for metastases, and 45 for age, co-morbidity, death, and hospice, yielding a final cohort of 121 colon and 59 rectal cancer patients. Patients were predominantly male (96%), white (79%), and median age 64 years [Interquartile Range 60, 70]. Median days to chemotherapy were 62.5 days [48.5, 120] for those who lived < 50 miles, 58.5 days[46.5, 120] for distance 50-99 miles, and 84 days [50.5, 120]) for distance ≥ 100 miles. There were only 41%, 48%, and 32% in each distance group meeting the 56-day standard, respectively. Adjusting for known correlates, time to chemotherapy was 10.6 days longer for patients living ≥ 100 miles compared to < 50 miles (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Distance to care may influence timeliness of chemotherapy among southeast regional veterans. Given the observed overall low rate of timely chemotherapy, understanding modifiable health system factors associated with omissions and delays, as well as the impact of recent VA legislation merits further exploration.


2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah Gariballa ◽  
Awad Alessa

Abstract. Background: ill health may lead to poor nutrition and poor nutrition to ill health, so identifying priorities for management still remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to present data on the impact of plasma zinc (Zn) depletion on important health outcomes after adjusting for other poor prognostic indicators in hospitalised patients. Methods: Hospitalised acutely ill older patients who were part of a large randomised controlled trial had their nutritional status assessed using anthropometric, hematological and biochemical data. Plasma Zn concentrations were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and at 6 months using inductively- coupled plasma spectroscopy method. Other clinical outcome measures of health were also measured. Results: A total of 345 patients assessed at baseline, 133 at 6 weeks and 163 at 6 months. At baseline 254 (74%) patients had a plasma Zn concentration below 10.71 μmol/L indicating biochemical depletion. The figures at 6 weeks and 6 months were 86 (65%) and 114 (70%) patients respectively. After adjusting for age, co-morbidity, nutritional status and tissue inflammation measured using CRP, only muscle mass and serum albumin showed significant and independent effects on plasma Zn concentrations. The risk of non-elective readmission in the 6-months follow up period was significantly lower in patients with normal Zn concentrations compared with those diagnosed with Zn depletion (adjusted hazard ratio 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.99), p = 0.047. Conclusions: Zn depletion is common and associated with increased risk of readmission in acutely-ill older patients, however, the influence of underlying comorbidity on these results can not excluded.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document